Are you kidding me? Another pothole! Severe winter weather storms moved through the U.S. in recent weeks and many cities were crippled when the snow melted and thousands of potholes in the roadways emerged.
But, wait a minute.Winter and spring are always pothole season. Is there some mystery that winter weather results in more potholes? How many flat tires, destroyed suspensions, and auto accidents must happen?
Daily “Pothole Patrol Updates” on the nightly news have toll-free pothole hotlines and news broadcasters asking consumers to send along photos of the potholes. What? Since when did dangerous and substandard driving conditions become a novelty?
Let’s just consider for a moment the theories about the cause of annual potholes. With snow removal vehicles combing the roadways, water seeps into cracks in the pavement. Then apparently pressure of automobile traffic causes a buckling effect that produces potholes and the result is more cracks everywhere. Others believe the freezing and thawing cycles that occurs annually are destructive to the byways. But, wait a minute! We all know the problems but can we talk about solutions?
The national pothole challenge seems to be an opportunity for better leadership. Public officials could offer a comprehensive plan to improve roadways and improve safety and quality of life for everyday citizens. Some states such as North Carolina, Virginia, and California have done just that. Another consideration might be to bring in more durable asphalt or pave streets prior to the inevitable annual winter weather. Even with budget shortfalls surely someone can come up with a better solutions that fixing potholes over and over again. That’s borderline insanity!
The American Automobile Association tips for handling a pothole provide the perfect format for recommendations for consumers and leaders alike to do their part too.
Recommendations for Consumers |
Recommendations for Leaders |
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