ROAD REPORT
ROAD REPORT
Potholes Out in Full Force
The mild winter weather has meant less snow forr much of Ohio, but it doesn't seem to mean less potholes. Pesky potholes are popping up everywhere on Ohio’s roads and posing major risks for drivers and their vehicles.
Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road. As temperatures rise and fall, freezing and thawing causes the moisture to expand and contract. This breaks up the pavement and, combined with the weight of passing cars, eventually results in a pothole.
Pothole Safety
Safety is a huge concern when it comes to potholes, as running over large potholes can cause drivers to lose control. While it's often tough to avoid these road hazards, a few simple steps can help:
· Be Aware- The first step to avoiding potholes is being aware that they’re out there.
· Look Ahead - Make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes.
· Slow Down - Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels and suspension components.
· Beware of Puddles - A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole.
Vehicle Damage
Damage from potholes can be instantaneous (a punctured tire), or it can be cumulative (misalignment in the steering system). Every year, AAA Car Care Plus centers repair vehicles that have struck potholes. Proper vehicle maintenance can help drivers minimize pothole damage:
· Inspect Tires - Make sure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Low tire pressure leaves tires more susceptible to going flat, especially if they run into a pothole. Tires with shallow tread depth are also at risk.
· Inspect Suspension - Have a certified technician check to make sure that struts and shock absorbers are in good condition. This will help absorb the impact of hitting a pothole.
· Check Alignment - Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle’s wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. Drivers who notice their car pulling to the left or right should have their alignment checked by a certified technician.
· Recognize Noises/Vibrations - A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or break suspension components. See a certified technician for any new or unusual noises or vibrations that start after hitting a pothole.
Repairing damage from potholes can be costly, but many insurance plans can help cover the cost. Motorists who believe their vehicle has been damaged by a pothole should check with their insurance provider to see what their plan covers.
Reporting Potholes
Reporting potholes to the proper authorities is important, since fixing them makes the roads safer. Motorists should report potholes on any Interstates, U.S. Routes and State Routes that aren’t in city limits to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Any other potholes should be reported to local governments.
The State of Ohio, along with certain municipalities may also offer compensation for pothole damage. Motorists who wish to file claims against the state for damage to their vehicles can visit ODOT's website to fill out an online form. For claims against a city, motorists should contact that local government.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.
###
Stay connected with AAA Ohio Auto Club on the web via:
