More Potholes on the Road Equal More Problems for Motorists

We see it happen every winter. The road freezes. It snows. The temperature warms up and melts the snow into the asphalt and suddenly you find yourself driving through a sea of potholes. It’s a vicious cycle that costs motorists millions of dollars a year in damages and repairs. This year, one Long Island town is trying to get ahead of the problem.

With close to 300 reports of potholes so far in 2016, the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County has implemented a plan to increase the number of workers and departments assigned to fix potholes, as well as sending crews out with more hotboxes (equipment designed to transport hot asphalt where repairs are needed). In addition, foremen have been appointed to inspect the Town for potholes in addition to getting reports from residents.

Potholes have become a serious hazard to drivers. With aging roads and increased traffic causing wear and tear, potholes are more likely to occur. That means more people trying to navigate around craters in the road, sometimes at high speeds. This can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, potentially leading to a crash with other motorists. The chance of injury increases significantly for motorcycle drivers who encounter potholes. In addition, flat tires resulting from potholes become quite costly. AAA reports that we spend $3 billion a year on vehicle repairs due to potholes.

With so many potholes on the road, there are things you can do to reduce damages:

• Keep tires properly inflated
• Scan the road ahead for cars slowing down or swerving
• Beware of puddles as they can hide a deep pothole
• Slow down so you can roll through the pothole instead of speeding over it or breaking rapidly
• Don’t swerve as it can cause more damage to your car or an accident

Potholes are just one of the many factors that contribute to car accidents. While authorities work to repair the hazard, drivers must also be proactive when on the road. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident due to someone else’s carelessness, contact an experienced attorney at Finz & Finz, P.C., to help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.