AAA study: pothole damage costs drivers $3 billion

As snow and ice begin to thaw and crumbling roadways emerge, a new study from AAA reveals that pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion in vehicle repairs over the last five years, or approximately $3 billion annually.

“On average, American drivers report paying $300 to repair pothole-related vehicle damage,” said Susan Hiltz, AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director. “Adding to the financial frustration, those whose vehicles incurred this type of damage had it happen frequently, with an average of three times in the last five years.”

AAA said it responds to more than four million calls for flat tire assistance every year, many are the result of damage caused by potholes.

How to avoid pothole damage:

• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Maintain adequate tire depth.
• To avoid striking a pothole, remain alert, scan the road ahead and drive at least 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
• If a pothole strike is inevitable, slow down, release the brakes and straighten steering before making contact with the pothole.
• Check to see if your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire or a tire inflator kit. Ensure the spare tire is properly inflated before trouble strikes.