Potholes and poor road conditions aren’t just an inconvenience, they are an expensive and dangerous result of harsh winters. Winter wrecks havoc on our roadways. The cycle of freezing and thawing, and snow, sleet, and rain, bring Springtime potholes that can do significant damage to your car. Severe potholes have led to accidents which may impact your insurance rates, as premiums are determined by past claims, accidents and driving violations. Here are important tips to keep in mind. 

Make sure you contact one of our Baldwin / Welsh & Parker Insurance Agents to make sure you have the right amount of coverage.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has repaired more than 1,300 potholes this winter, including 210 on the MassPike from Springfield to Weston in the last two months, and now the agency is asking the public to report more of these pavement craters.

MassDOT has expanded its online and telephone pothole information system to all areas of the state.

Potholes can be reported through MassDOT's Pothole Hotline number at 857-368-6999.  Potholes can also be reported to MassDOT by calling 857-DOT-INFO (857-368-4636) or 877-MA-DOT-GOV (877-623-6846) or by contacting MassDOT online at http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/ContactUs.aspx#Contact.

Pothole Driving Tips

1. Properly inflated tires hold up better against potholes than tires that have too much or too little air.
2. If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down before you hit it. But don’t brake directly over a pothole, which can actually cause more damage.
3. When driving over the pothole, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.
4. Use caution when driving over a puddle of water because it might be a pothole in hiding.
5. Report potholes to MassDOT.  

And, if you have hit a pothole and notice any of these problems, take your car to a repair facility to have it checked for damage by a professional.

Report Potential Damage  

• Bulges or blisters on the tire sidewalls.
• Dents in the wheel rims.
• Undercarriage damage, including fluid leaks and wear that could lead to rust.
• Odd noises coming from the exhaust system due to dents or punctures.
• The car pulling toward the left or right, instead of going straight, which could indicate an alignment problem.
• Uneven tire wear, which could indicate an alignment problem.