Drivers Seek Payback For Pothole Damage
State Program Allows Motorists To File Claim
POSTED: 4:56 p.m. EDT August 6, 2003
UPDATED: 5:10 p.m. EDT August 6, 2003
It's not only summer in Michigan, it's also construction season, Local 4's Rod Meloni reported.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working to fix potholes on local roads that have reportedly been causing damage to vehicles.
A large pothole on Interstate 94 at Telegraph Road was filled Tuesday night after creating problems for some motorists traveling in that area.
Police blocked traffic as crews worked to repair the road.
Jeff Fraley, a musician from Ohio, blew out the electrical system on his vehicle on the way home from band practice, Local 4 reported.
"I hit a major hole and lost all the power in my car. Everything just died ... I don't understand it," Fraley said.
The large hole on Interstate 94 apparently caused trouble for several drivers.
"I'm gonna have to buy a new tire, and there were six cars in a row that pulled over along this stretch in about 10 minutes," said Marybeth Adams, a Michigan driver.
The incident reportedly caught the attention of state Rep. Dan Paletko of Dearborn Heights.
Paletko was calling for the state to reimburse all the drivers at the scene after his own vehicle suffered two flat tires.
"We can't leave roads for motorists that have these type of pothole conditions," Paletko said.
A state program allows motorists to file a claim for damages caused by road conditions, Local 4 reported. Motorists can file a complaint by calling (877) 641-3913 and the state will determine whether money will be awarded for damages, Local 4 reported.
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