Rebecca Stutts Hovater
Winter brings a number of driving hazards, but one tends to rear its ugly head after the snow is melted and signs of spring return – the dreaded pothole. A close encounter with a crater can lead to wrecked tires, wheels, and suspension components.
A State Farm® study shows that vehicle repairs from damage caused by a pothole can cost drivers, on average, anywhere from $300 to $700.
Potholes, chuckholes, chasms, or whatever you call them in your region can occur in any climate. But they’re especially prominent this time of year in areas known for ice, snow, and below-freezing temperatures. The freezing and thawing cycles allow moisture to seep into the road surface, which causes the road to crumble.
Protecting Yourself
Not much can be done to prevent the deterioration of driving surfaces, but there are five things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle:
- Try to take roads you know well. Your familiarity will help you avoid potholes.
- When driving at night, travel on well-lit roads so you can see the surface.
- Slow down. Give yourself a chance to see the pothole and avoid it before you’re in it.
- If you hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and wheels for possible damage. Note how your car handles afterwards. If it “pulls” one way or the other or the steering feels wobbly, you may want to have your car checked by a professional.
- If you can’t avoid a pothole, do your braking before impact. There’s less damage when a tire is rolling than skidding over a hole during braking.
Potholes can create even larger issues for motorcyclists. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends riders go around such hazards, and to do so safely, you must be able to spot a pothole from a distance. Slow down before reaching the obstacle, and make sure you have enough room before changing direction.
Rebecca Stutts Hovater, Agent
State Farm Insurance
501 South Montgomery Avenue, Suite C
Sheffield, Alabama 35660
Phone: 256-383-1250
Fax: 256-383-1213
www.RebeccaHovater.com
