Hey Drivers! Tell Us Where The Worst Potholes Are In Columbia And Howard County?

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — It's pothole season in Maryland and that means many drivers will test their skills swerving to avoid hitting them. The worst potholes could end up damaging a vehicle.

Potholes thrive when water collects in road crevices and expands as it freezes. The weight of passing vehicles, especially heavy trucks, adds to pothole damage.

"The main ingredient for potholes is water from winter precipitation going through several freeze-thaw cycles," said Tim Smith of the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Annually, the State Highway Administration repairs upwards of 34,000 potholes and spends an estimated $3 million on pothole repairs. The average cost of a repair is $90, including material, labor and traffic control.

Between winter storms, crews typically fill potholes in Maryland with a "cold patch" before using hot mix asphalt for a more permanent repair when temperatures are above 50 degrees. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds increases the chance of damage, according to AAA, resulting in hundreds of dollars in repairs.

If drivers can't avoid hitting a pothole, they should slow down and avoid abrupt braking, the AAA suggests. Drivers should avoid driving through standing water, which can conceal potholes, according to AAA, which advised ensuring tires are inflated to the proper pressure at least once a month.

Marylanders can notify state officials about where potholes are using this form online; it applies to state roads. In Howard County, visit the [email protected].