In Saskatchewan, spring doesn’t just bring flowers — it brings potholes.
Melting snow and freeze-thaw cycles can turn small cracks into sudden, vehicle-jarring holes. One day, the road feels fine, and the next, you’re dodging puddles and rough patches that can damage your vehicle in seconds.
The good news? A few simple habits can help you avoid costly repairs and drive with more confidence.
Potholes develop when water seeps into cracks, freezes, expands, and then thaws. Over time, this weakens the pavement. Add traffic and wear, and those small cracks can quickly turn into deep holes.
Even a single hit can sometimes cause bent rims, tire damage, alignment issues, and suspension problems.
Pothole damage may be covered under your auto insurance, depending on your policy and deductible. It’s worth reviewing your coverage before you run into problems.
“If you’re a CAA Member with both home and auto insurance, the good news is—tire coverage is included, and that can really help during pothole season,” explained Sanda Grcic, CAA Insurance Risk Manager. “If your tire is damaged by something like a pothole or road debris, the coverage can pay up to $25 per tire to repair it. If the tire can’t be safely fixed, it can also help cover the cost of replacing the tire, including remounting and balancing. This coverage isn’t meant for regular wear and tear or vandalism. There’s no deductible and using it won’t affect your insurance rates. If people have questions, our CAA Insurance Brokers are always happy to walk them through their options.”
Once you know what coverage you have, the next step is reducing the chances you’ll need it in the first place.
Contact: CAA Insurance at 1-844-393-EASY (3279).
For years, our CAA Worst Roads campaign helped Saskatchewan drivers shine a spotlight on problem areas by sharing the routes that needed attention most. That campaign has now ended—but potholes haven’t, and repairs can still take time.
The good news is there’s still plenty we can control day to day: better driving habits that reduce the risk of damage, close calls, and stress behind the wheel. Here are a few practical, positive ways to drive a little smoother (and a little safer) through pothole season—and a reminder to report serious hazards to your local road authority when it’s safe to do so.
1) Slow down and scan ahead
The faster you’re going, the less time you have to react. Ease off the accelerator - especially on routes you “know by heart”—and give yourself an extra second to read the road. At slower speeds, you’re more likely to spot the warning signs early and make smooth, safe choices instead of a last-moment brake-and-jolt.
Watch for:
Also, leave extra following distance. More space means more options—time to slow down gently, change lanes safely, or avoid the kind of last-second panic move that can send your coffee flying and your tires into the worst part of the lane.
2) Avoid sudden swerves
Swerving to miss a pothole is a natural reflex, but quick lane changes can be more dangerous than the pothole itself—especially in traffic, on wet spring roads, or when the shoulder is soft. If you can’t avoid it safely, focus on staying predictable and in control: steady hands, smooth braking, and no sudden moves that surprise the drivers around you.
If you can’t avoid it safely:
If you’re choosing between swerving suddenly and taking the pothole straight on, prioritize safety and staying in control—every time.
3) Check your tires
Your tires take the biggest hit during pothole season—they’re the first thing to slam into sharp edges and drop into hidden holes. Think of this as a quick spring tune-up; just a few minutes now can save you a headache later.
If a tire is damaged, keep trips short and get it inspected. Driving on a compromised tire increases the risk of a blowout, especially once the rubber heats up on the highway.
4) Watch for warning signs
Not all pothole damage shows up right away. If you hit one hard, pay attention over the next few minutes (and your next few drives) for subtle changes like new vibrations through the steering wheel, a pull you didn’t notice before, or a fresh clunk when you roll over bumps.
If something feels off, book an inspection as soon as you can. Small alignment or suspension issues can quietly chew through tires and turn into expensive repairs when they’re ignored.
5) Be cautious in low visibility
Potholes are much harder to spot when the light is low, or the pavement is wet, headlights reflect off shiny asphalt, puddles flatten the road’s texture, and everything can look deceptively smooth.
Slow down, use your headlights properly, and avoid driving through standing water when you can. It may be deeper than it looks, and it can hide a sharp-edged hole underneath—one that you won’t see until you feel the drop.
6) Share the road
Potholes affect everyone. Between rough road edges, broken patches, and uneven sidewalks, people may need to shift their path quickly. A little patience and awareness go a long way.
Keep in mind:
Whether you’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or on foot, rough surfaces can change someone’s path in a split second. Give people room and stay alert—especially near rough patches—and you’ll help make spring travel safer for everyone.
Final thought
Pothole season can be a headache, but a few simple habits—driving a bit slower, leaving extra space, keeping your steering steady, and checking your vehicle after a hard hit—can go a long way. Pass this along to another driver and report major potholes to your local road authority. Each report helps crews fix problem spots faster, and every cautious drive makes the road a little smoother for everyone.