What Makes Potholes Dangerous?
Potholes are the common sign of poor roadways. What is a broken-down road without this hole in the asphalt? More than just a trope or a roosting spot for pigeons, however, these pavement holes are more of a threat to vehicles and people than one might realize. As you plan to care for your roadways with Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation, keep these reasons why potholes are dangerous in mind for the best roadway safety.
How Potholes Form
Potholes aren’t simply holes in pavement. They form due to a scientific process that can take weeks or months to occur. It all begins with a crack in the asphalt, which can happen for many reasons. It could be because of bearing much weight over time from trucks and cars, a lack of support along the edges of the road, or simply old age. Eventually, all asphalt begins to crack.
When water seeps into these cracks, it can eventually turn to ice when winter comes. With Maryland’s fluctuating winter temperatures, the water can freeze and thaw repeatedly. The water expands and contracts repeatedly inside the crack, causing the crack to widen into a hole. If it is not apparent on the surface at first, one heavy vehicle can accidentally break the surface, revealing the hole.
The Dangers of Potholes
Potholes can endanger the safety of vehicles, drivers, and pedestrians. Most often, a pothole is unexpected. It can take a driver or pedestrian unawares. In the case of the driver, it could cause them to brake or swerve suddenly. If the hole is large enough, it could even cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Motorcyclists are especially at risk.
Even a smaller pothole could cause unexpected damage to the vehicle itself, such as a flat tire, an unevenly worn-out tire, damaged wheels, skewed wheel alignment, changed steering, and damage to the car’s engine, exhaust, and suspension. The cost of running through a pothole is not a price one wants to have to pay. If pedestrians regularly cross the road, it could be easy for one to trip over the hole.
Safety for Cars
Sometimes potholes creep up on roads, no one noticing until it is already formed. If a driver comes across one, it is best if he is able to spot it soon enough to ride over it if possible. Otherwise, the best policy is to continue riding straight through, since swerving or turning the wheel in the hole can cause greater vehicle damage.
Pothole Prevention & Repair
The best way to deal with potholes is to prevent them from happening. Hot-pour crack filling is the ideal way to seal up those openings and prevent water from getting in it. Call Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation for more information.
Contact Teniseal/Parking Striping Corporation for Asphalt Road and Parking Lot Services!
Teniseal Corporation specializes in the application, restoration and maintenance of all types of asphalt surfaces. It makes sense to trust your asphalt job to experts with the experience and technical know-how to do your project right from the start to provide a long-lasting result. Teniseal offers services for Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George’s, Harford, Carroll, and Montgomery counties in Maryland. For more information, email them at [email protected], or call them at 410-485-5660 or 410-485-0717. Keep in touch on social media through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
