Pothole Problems in Tennessee

We all know that Coffee County has had a recent run of snow and ice and the asphalt we drive on has become compromised. Potholes are formed by water intrusion in the cracks of the asphalt. As a result, the material laid underneath the road softens causing weak spots to collapse under the weight of constant traffic. AAA cautions drivers to remain alert to avoid pothole damage and urges state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize road maintenance to reduce vehicle damage, repair costs and driver frustration.
According to AAA’s survey, pothole damage has cost U.S. motorist approximately 3 billion annually in vehicle repairs over the last five years. “This is definitely a concern,” said Don Lindsey, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It’s critical that state and local governments focus on road maintenance to reduce cost for motorists, but safety should be the number one concern. Potholes can lead to car accidents when motorists are forced to swerve to avoid them leading to a crash with another vehicle, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.”
To minimize vehicle damage and loss of life, AAA advises motorists to make certain tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. If motorists can’t avoid striking a pothole, it is important to slow down, release the brakes and straighten steering before making contact with the pothole.