Pothole damage to your car in Rochester? How to report it and what you can do
Editor’s note: This story suggestion was submitted by Nyree Zelenka at the 19th Ward Square Fair festival.
According to data from AAA, last year, 44 million drivers had to pay money for vehicle repairs after a pothole encounter. New York state is ranked at No. 7 for the most potholes on average.
Several studies have linked potholes to accessibility issues and a neighborhood’s overall quality of life. Residents may face longer travel times, higher vehicle repair costs, and increased safety concerns, all contributing to a reduced quality of life.
This might explain why we received a story tip about potholes in the 19th Ward while gathering story ideas at the 2024 Square Fair.
I decided to investigate personally. I drove through the neighborhood, covering all its main and several side streets in search of potholes.
I encountered numerous minor potholes on Genesee Park Boulevard, Genesee Street and Chili Avenue. The larger potholes were mainly located on various side streets. The potential damage could have significant impacts in different ways.
NY Drivers:Save money with pothole damage prevention tips
How potholes affect your auto insurance
Fifteen percent of drivers need repairs due to pothole damage each year. Even if the damage occurs on public roads, you might only get repairs covered with collision insurance, leaving drivers with substantial out-of-pocket expenses, making road hazards particularly problematic during colder months.
Frequent pothole-related damage can increase insurance claims, which may raise drivers’ premiums.
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car if you collide with another vehicle or object. If you hit a pothole large enough to cause front-end damage, your collision coverage may assist with the repair costs. However, you are responsible for paying your deductible first—the amount you must pay before your insurer covers the rest of the claim. You can usually choose your deductible amount when you purchase collision coverage.
If your car is damaged after hitting a pothole, it’s wise to get a few repair estimates. If the repair cost is less than your auto policy’s deductible, paying out of pocket would be more cost-effective.
What causes Potholes?
Potholes form when water seeps into small cracks in the road surface, typically caused by traffic. When the water freezes, it expands, and when it thaws, it contracts. This cycle enlarges the cracks, further weakening the road and allowing more water to penetrate. As the road surface deteriorates, traffic breaks it up, creating a small hole that expands with continued use.
Data from the Federal Highway Administration
- In the U.S., an average of 15% of drivers have needed vehicle repairs due to pothole damage in the last five years.
- Pothole damage is most common in the Northeast, where 1 in 5 drivers has experienced such damage in the past five years.
- Pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion annually, averaging $306 per driver. Highways in poor condition cost drivers an average of $571 a year.
- According to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed in November 2021, the federal government is allocating $1.57 million per mile to repair poor-quality highways, including potholes.
- Texas has the worst roads, with 19,400 miles of highways in poor condition. Consequently, it receives the most federal aid for highway programs — $26.9 billion, compared to an average of $5.4 billion per state.
Reporting potholes in Rochester
If you’re looking for a way to report potholes, call 311. According to the City of Rochester website, potholes are generally repaired within 24 to 48 hours on city-maintained streets. “Pothole complaints that are received by noon will be repaired by the end of the next business day,” it said.
Pothole map: https://rochester.portal.us.empro.verintcloudservices.com/site/rochester/request/pot_hole_repair
We want to allow more readers to submit story ideas for the 19th Ward beat. Please complete our survey using the form below or scanning the QR code in print. In the coming weeks, we’ll let you know when one of you suggests a story we write!
Justice Marbury is the 19th Ward reporter. She loves her energetic puppy, Hiro. Contact her on Instagram@justice_marbury and by email at[email protected].
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