Local potholes cause chaos – tips to minimize damage when it’s your turn

AUSTIN, Texas — A large pothole on I-35 caused severe tire damage Tuesday and caused a lot of hassle for drivers, who are now stuck with the full cost of repairs. And there may be some hidden costs that drivers haven’t yet discovered.

And it’s at your expense, too. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says state law doesn’t allow it to pay for damages caused by highway conditions. Click here for details.

Tuesday’s pothole was created during the morning rush hour on the southbound outside lane of Interstate 35 near Howard Lane. The outside lane is actually the emergency lane of the interstate, but is being temporarily used for traffic due to road construction in the area. According to TxDOT, a drainage problem was the cause of the pavement damage that caused the pothole.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Huge pothole on I-35 disrupts morning rush hour

Chris Hopcus saw a problem coming up ahead, but it was too late. He says: “When I reached the Howard Bridge, I saw the car in front of me make a big dip and the brake lights come on. By the time I had a chance to react, I was already stuck in a huge pothole.”

Hopcus and the others had to limp to a nearby tire shop for blown tires and other wheel damage. But after they’re back on all four wheels, they may have other damage to deal with. In addition to potholes, driving over a pothole can also damage your car’s shocks and struts, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, etc., according to the American Automobile Association.

So what can you do to minimize damage next time? If you see the impact coming and can’t safely change lanes, AAA recommends slowing down but releasing the brake and straightening the steering wheel just before impact.

Uncle Fred notes: My dad always told me the same thing. Braking already puts a lot of stress on the brake components and front suspension, and then you add the stress of the pothole. For the same reasons, he recommended taking your foot off the brake when going over railroad crossings. That advice has served me well. It’s nice to know AAA agrees with Dad.