Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 27, 2016
TDOT Road Crews Repaired 250 Pot Holes in Middle Tennessee This Week
Although the snow and ice from last week’s winter storm have long since melted from roadways in Middle Tennessee, one dangerous reminder remained in many places in and around Nashville: potholes. Thankfully, the Tennessee Department of Transportation worked around the clock early this week to repair the damage.
According to a report by wkrn.com, TDOT has already repaired around 250 potholes in the mid-state area and is expected to be out again on Wednesday repairing even more. Potholes are formed after winter storms when moisture from snow and ice gets inside small cracks in pavement and then goes through a cycle of freezing and thawing, which causes the asphalt to break.
A communications spokesperson with TDOT says that potholes are a major problem in the South and other areas where there is minimal moisture in the air. She went on to say that crews are working hard to make roadways safe for drivers to reduce the risk of accidents and damage to their vehicles.
Freezing temperatures and cold rain will persist for at least another month or two, so drivers should stay cautious and alert until spring and report any major potholes that they see to TDOT.
Why Are Potholes So Dangerous for Drivers?
Potholes may seem like nothing more than an annoyance or something that causes a temporarily bumpy ride, but they can actually be extremely dangerous for drivers—especially when they become more than a few inches deep.
Our Nashville auto accident attorneys have handled many cases where potholes caused accidents due to the following reasons:
Your tires and wheels are the most important components on your vehicle. If they burst, blow out, or bend, you will immediately lose control of your vehicle and may end up being involved in a serious accident. Deep pot holes are particularly dangerous for drivers, as the impact of the tire and wheel hitting the inside of the hole can cause major tire damage. In some cases, potholes can even cause vehicles to become totaled due to extensive front end damage that requires body work, realignment, and suspension repairs.
The first instinct for many drivers upon seeing potholes is to swerve out of the way. When that occurs on a highway or interstate with speed limits in excess of 50 or 60 miles per hour, serious accidents can occur. Drivers who swerve put not only themselves at risk due to the potential of losing control of their vehicles, but they can also collide with other vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles.
Even if the worst thing that happens to a vehicle after hitting a pothole is a flat tire, the driver can still be at serious risk—especially if their vehicle becomes disabled on a roadway without a wide shoulder. Many drivers are unaware of the dangers associated with changing a flat tire on the side of a highway or interstate, and getting out of a vehicle for any reason near high speed traffic can be extremely hazardous.
Even the most off-road worthy vehicles aren’t built in a way to withstand the impact, pressure, and damage that potholes can cause. That’s why drivers in and around Nashville and Middle Tennessee should be extremely careful this winter and always remain on the lookout for potholes. Reporting potholes to TDOT soon after spotting them can help reduce the risks that drivers face on a daily basis and even save lives.
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, Matt Hardin Law’s legal team wants to help you get the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other accident-related expenses. We have more than two decades of experience assisting innocent victims like you, and we know what it takes to win. To find out how we can fight for your rights, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
