State Potholes Becoming Major Issue

Record snow and cold may be departing, but they’re leaving in their wake one of Michigan’s worst pothole seasons ever. The Michigan Department of Transportation is suggesting some ways that motorists can avoid hitting potholes, and to minimize damage if they can’t miss them. Officials say by driving extra cautiously and not tailgating, drivers have more time to see and react to any potholes they’re approaching. Properly inflated tires in good condition handle potholes better than worn, over-inflated or under-inflated tires. M-DOT says reporting potholes on state trunklines to the agecny’s Report a Pothole webpage or the Pothole Hotline will help get them fixed more quickly. However, State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle says potholes form so quickly that crews can’t get all of them right away, and they’re showing up nearly everywhere on state and local roads.