Potholes in New Jersey: What You Need to Know

Winter’s grasp over the Garden State might not be over, yet many can’t help but notice the weather getting better as of late. The ice is melting and the giant piles of plowed snow are shrinking, but there’s one ugly and potentially deadly nuisance(s) Old Man Winter is leaving behind as we get closer to Spring – potholes.

These nuisances are caused by the weathering of roads; when the asphalt has worn away and the concrete is exposed to the elements. Once a pothole forms, it can grow based on the excess runoff from rainwater and the melting ice and snow.

Roadways that are prone to having more potholes are areas that have poor drainage and are heavily traveled. Depending on where you live in New Jersey or any place in the Northeastern United States, you see drivers trying to avoid potholes like a life-sized game of Whack-O-Mole. You might even confuse another driver’s erratic behind-the-wheel behavior with that of someone who’s been drinking. That’s how bad the roads can become.

With that being said, potholes can present a major hazard to drivers during this time of the year. They can put a huge strain on your vehicle’s suspensions and shocks, along with causing other expensive and significant damages to your vehicle. Potholes can potentially cause serious car accident injuries too, which can lead to matters of wrongful death if the accident resulted in a fatality. One-third of all traffic-related deaths are caused by poor road conditions. An impact with a pothole can also be comparable to a 35-mph car accident.

It’s helpful to report a pothole when you see one, especially when it looks like it can cause damage to a vehicle. Contact the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and make sure to mention the following factors:

• The exact location of the pothole
• A proper description of the length, width, and depth of the pothole
• If there was rainwater or excess runoff water in the pothole

It is important to remember that the unexpected is normal when it comes to potholes. Anything can happen. Since a dangerous situation can arise out of nowhere, it is important to make sure that you are not speeding and are making safe decisions while driving. Otherwise, hitting a pothole could cause you to crash or even worse.

As one of New Jersey’s most experienced car accident attorneys, Anthony Carbone knows that cautious drivers have the best chance to avoid serious car accidents. While not all things are unavoidable, potholes can be, so just be on the lookout while you drive as the weather keeps getting nicer into the spring.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or suffered damages because of a pothole, contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today to set up a free consultation.