Vehicle damage from potholes costs drivers $3 billion annually across US

A new AAA report says potholes are costing drivers $3 billion a year.

“In the last five years, 16 million drivers across the country have suffered pothole damage to their vehicles”, said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Canfield has repaired plenty of pothole-damaged cars and says if you hit one you need to pay attention to your auto. If a pothole can’t be avoided, slow down, if possible.

To minimize vehicle damage, AAA urges drivers to ensure that tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth-they are the only cushion between a pothole and the vehicle.

AAA says members are already paying a steep price because of these poor road conditions, and that unless action is taken to fix roads, the costs are expected to rise even higher. Almost $170 billion in additional funding is needed to improve America’s roads, according to the agency.

Check to see if your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire or a tire inflator kit.

“Potholes, of course, are not unique to Sioux Falls but an issue any city in our climate endures, as the temperature swings wreak havoc on even good concrete and asphalt”, said Heather Hitterdal, communication specialist for the city.

To avoid striking a pothole, remain alert, scan the road ahead and drive at least 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to start shopping for new tires.

Depending on where the pothole is, drivers can file the damage with the Tennessee Department of Treasury.

This time of year, the City of Knoxville Public Works have six crews fixing about 30 potholes per day that drivers are reporting.

Report a pothole near you.

As for vehicles, trucks are the biggest contributor to the pothole problem.

If possible, don’t brake directly over a pothole. But unfortunately, the thaw-freeze-thaw cycle that creates pavement breakup in roadways can cause vehicle damage, contribute to tire wear, and just give motorists overall panic attacks.