AAA finds two-thirds of American drivers concerned almost potholes on local roadways

PORTLAND, Ore., – A new written report from AAA reveals that pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion in vehicle repairs over the last 5 years, or approximately $3 billion annually. With two-thirds of Americans concerned most potholes on local roadways, AAA cautions drivers to remain warning to avoid pothole harm, and urges state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize route maintenance to reduce vehicle damage,  costs and driver frustration.

Pothole-Infographic"In the last five years, 16 million drivers across the country have suffered pothole damage to their vehicles," says John Nielsen, AAA's managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "The problems range from tire punctures and bent wheels, to more expensive suspension damage."

Co-ordinate to AAA's survey, middle- and lower-income individuals are the most worried nigh potholes, with the majority of respondents in households having annual incomes under $75,000 expressing the highest levels of concern over damaged roadways. This is likely due in role to the financial impact, as pothole damage can pb to expensive and extensive vehicle repairs.

"On average, American drivers report paying $300 to repair pothole-related vehicle damage," adds Nielsen. "Adding to the financial frustration, those whose vehicles incurred this type of harm had it happen oft, with an average of three times in the last five years."

Pothole-Infographic-2-2 To minimize vehicle harm, AAA urges drivers to ensure tires are properly inflated and accept adequate tread depth, as they are the only cushion between a pothole and the vehicle. If a pothole strike is inevitable, it is as well critical that drivers slow down, release the brakes and straighten steering before making contact with the pothole. To avoid potholes in the roadway, drivers should remain alert, scan the road and increase following distances behind the vehicle ahead.

AAA's members are paying a steep toll for bad road weather, and those costs are expected to rise even college in the years alee. Americans rely on our nation's roads and bridges every day, and more than funding is badly needed to prevent potholes, other unsafe atmospheric condition and longer commutes. Congress increased transportation funding in 2015 to aid pay for road repair, but as much as $170 billion in additional funding is needed per year to significantly better America's roads and bridges.

Every year, AAA responds to more than four million calls for apartment tire assistance, many the issue of damage caused past potholes. Spare tires, an important feature missing from 1-3rd of 2015 model year vehicles sold, are critical for drivers affected past pothole damage. Tire inflator kits have replaced the spare tire in millions of vehicles over the last 10 model years and, due to their express functionality, cannot provide even a temporary set for pothole impairment. AAA has called on automakers to put consumer interests get-go and halt the emptying of spare tires in new models.

When dealing with vehicle harm, it'south disquisitional to select a high-quality repair facility such as a AAA Canonical Automobile Repair (AAR) store. One time a facility meets AAA's loftier standards, including certifications, technical preparation, cleanliness, insurance requirements and groundwork checks, information technology becomes part of the AAR program where it'south re-inspected annually and monitored for ongoing customer satisfaction. AAA members receive unique benefits, including priority service, a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty, special discounts, free inspections, dispute resolution assistance and more. To discover an AAR facility nigh you lot, visit AAA.com/Repair