It’s almost June, and pothole repair season is still in full swing. I’m sure you’ve already grown accustom to safely avoiding those large dips in the pavement. Potholes tend to develop throughout the winter. Then in the spring they appear faster, than the state and local public works can provide the money and manpower to repair them.
What is a pothole?
A pothole is formed when water seeps into the cracks of the pavement, freezes and then expands. As this process repeats itself throughout the winter months, a cavity is formed below the road and more cracks will begin to develop at the surface level. After vehicles repeatedly travel over these surfaces, the pavement will begin to crumble and a pothole is formed.
Pothole damage can lead to expensive and extensive vehicle repairs. According to a recent study by AAA, over the past five years, 16 million US drivers have suffered vehicle damages related to potholes, which has cost drivers $15 million in vehicle repairs. Repairs can range from tire punctures, bent wheels or suspension damage. On average, an individual driver will spend $300 to repair pothole-related damages.
To avoid potholes in the roadway, AAA recommends drivers remain alert, slow down and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. You can help minimize the potential damage to your car, by properly inflating you tires and routinely checking the tire tread depth. Your tires are the only cushion between you and a pothole.
Please report any potholes to your Local Municipality or State Department of Transportation. Drive Safely!
