Spring has sprung, and as you drive around Hampton Roads you’ll notice, so have the potholes!
April is recognized as National Pothole Month because the number of pothole reports jump significantly this time of year.
According to AAA, potholes are created when groundwater seeps into the ground underneath the pavement. If the water freezes, it will expand, causing the pavement to expand, bend and crack. The weight of cars going over the weakened pavement can cause part of the road to become loose and displaced.
It’s an expensive problem.
A 2022 AAA survey found that 1 in 10 drivers who hit a pothole had enough vehicle damage to warrant going to a repair shop, with an average cost of almost $600 per repair. AAA determined damage caused by potholes cost drivers $26.5 billion in just one calendar year!
Hitting a pothole can knock a car out of alignment, flatten tires, and even damage your rims.
The City of Norfolk kicked off this National Pothole Month with a reminder to report potholes when you see them. There are several ways to do that in Norfolk: fill out a service request on the city’s website or mobile app (available on Google Play and the App Store), send an email to healthyneighborhoods@norfolk.gov or call Norfolk Cares at 757-664-6510
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