BOISE – As Idaho roads endure the punishing freeze-thaw cycles of winter, potholes can quickly form that may give drivers the headache of an expensive repair bill. AAA is reminding drivers to be extra vigilant to changing road conditions.
“You don’t have to look too far to find a pothole these days – they’re everywhere. Water seeps into cracks in the road, freezes, expands, and the next thing you know, you’ve got a much bigger issue,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Highway districts and municipalities do their best to address potholes when they form, but it’s a major challenge keeping up with roadwork this time of year.”
Here are some tips to navigate the roads this spring:
- Be careful driving through standing water – potholes could be hiding under the surface.
- Actively scan the road, including observing the actions of other drivers that may indicate an obstruction in the road.
- If you can’t avoid a pothole, try to drive through slow and straight. Never swerve into another lane or oncoming traffic to avoid a pothole.
- Don’t ignore shaking or pulling in the steering wheel. It could be a sign of an alignment issue that could cause your tires to wear unevenly over time.
If your vehicle is in need of maintenance or repair, visit AAA.com/autorepair for a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities in your area.