AAA Says Rough Winter Increased Pothole Damage

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- This year's brutal winter is well behind us, but it left behind one big reminder: potholes. They're still wreaking havoc on our cars months later.

Christie Ileto has more on what's being done about them.

For many of us, our daily commutes involve at least one encounter with a pothole.

"Jumping, jerking, bouncing all around," said Rick Woodland.

Crater-like potholes and uneven pavement pack Baltimore streets following a harsh winter and soggy spring.

"Very cold temperatures. Then we'd have thawing temperatures and then freeze back up. All of these things contribute to even more potholes," said Ragina Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic.

AAA Mid-Atlantic says they've responded to 120,000 calls for service for flat tires in its service area. That's up 22% from January to April compared to this time last year.

But relief comes Monday. City crews are starting repairs---milling, paving and resurfacing your rough ride.

"This approach to street management ensures the life of the road can be extended," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The city plans to repair more than 200 miles of traffic lanes. Since December, nearly 77,000 potholes have been fixed.

"It bumped underneath the fender and cracked the fender, as well," said Rachel Hicks.

Baltimore Body Shop says the damage potholes wreak on your car is anything but subtle.

"More people are coming in with alignment issues and tires being blown," Hicks said.

And just about everyone has fallen casualty in some fashion.

"I've had a flat," Woodland said.

"Other than getting my car aligned," said Sarah Hare. "But that costs money."

Drivers hope pricy repairs will be a thing of the past as roadwork begins to cure Baltimore's bumpy roads.

To report a pothole, click here.

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