Everywhere we go in Wisconsin, it seems like there are new potholes, no matter how carefully we drive. As anyone who has been struck by one can attest, they are quite lethal. They pose a significant safety risk and can severely harm your vehicle. The question now is, what leads to the formation of potholes, and how can you fix them? Keep reading to learn more!
Why Do Roads Become Pocked With Holes?
To drive on any road is to risk encountering potholes. Water seepage is the most common reason, although there are other culprits as well. If water is able to seep through pavement cracks, the road’s integrity is compromised. As cars drive over the crumbling pavement, a hole opens up, and water seeps in. Potholes can also be caused by sudden shifts in temperature. Water that gets into the fractures then freezes causes the pavement to grow and become even more damaged. When the weather in Wisconsin suddenly and drastically changes, as it does in the winter and early spring, that is a big cause of the problem drivers face on the roadways. Fire and ice storms will rage one day, only to be followed by a week of calm before another roaring storm. Potholes can be anywhere from a few inches wide to several feet wide and deep, posing serious hazards to motorists.
Hazardous
As annoying as potholes are, they may be quite dangerous. The danger posed by potholes to motorists is obvious, but motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in this situation. Motorcycles are less stable than cars, increasing the likelihood that a rider will lose control and crash. Even a little pothole might cause a cyclist to lose control and swerve into oncoming traffic or into anything else. In extreme cases, the impact of a pothole might throw the rider off the motorcycle. Therefore, potholes are a leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents. Drivers need to be alert to the risks posed by potholes and take the necessary measures to avoid hitting them. When they come upon a pothole, they should slow down and proceed with caution.
Involvement of Multiple Vehicles in a Crash
Driving in the city means constantly avoiding potholes. Especially if you crash with one while traveling at high speeds, they can cause serious damage to your car. Your vehicle’s tires, suspension, and alignment could all suffer from the impact. If your car hits a pothole, it could swerve into oncoming traffic. And in extreme cases, they can even cause a tire to blow. Have a professional mechanic check out your car if you hit a pothole. They’ll be able to assess the situation and make the necessary fixes. In the meanwhile, stay away from craters as much as possible. In the event that you cannot avoid them, proceed with caution and reduce your speed as you pass over them. By following these safety measures, you can help your car stay in good shape and save money on repairs.
The Reporting of Potholes
Report any dangerous potholes you come across so they can be fixed. Tips for submitting reports of potholes are provided below.
- The location of the pothole can be pinpointed with the use of a photograph.
- Try to estimate how big and deep the hole is. Repair workers can use this information to estimate how much filler they’ll need.
- Take careful note of the precise location of the crater. The nearby crossroads and street names are shown here.
- Please provide us with a quick summary of the damage caused by the crater. Information on its size, depth, and finish quality could be included.
If you follow these easy steps, you may help ensure that the pothole gets fixed as quickly as possible.
In addition to increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, potholes can also significantly reduce vehicle value. Additionally, they endanger the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians and make driving more challenging. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, potholes need to be fixed. If you need auto service or repair in the Fond du Lac, WI, area, contact Lenz Auto. For your own safety on the road, we’ll see to it that your car is well taken care of.