BRIGHTON (WWJ) - A fairly large pothole has cracked open a portion of I-96 in the Brighton area on Wednesday morning, disabling nearly half a dozen vehicles on the side of the road.
Tipsters calling into the WWJ Traffic center around 6:30 a.m. report a large pothole in the center of the eastbound I-96 just past the Grand River exit.
"At least five vehicles on the side of the road, most likely with flat tires," WWJ traffic reporter Michelle Peña warned. "So definitely be careful there as well."
While February typically ushers in the beginning of pothole season in Michigan, the unseasonable weather pattern affecting the state the last few weeks is creating prime conditions for potholes to form.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, potholes form when moisture seeps into the pavement and freezes, causing the ground to expand and push the pavement up creating a gap.
"As temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal level creating a void or gap between the pavement and ground below it," MDOT explained. "When vehicles drive over the gap, the pavement weakens leading to a pothole."
MDOT
Metro Detroit has gone through a series of freeze-thaw cycles in December and most recently over the weekend and into the beginning of the work week. Temperatures reached up to 50 degrees on Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th, before taking a nose-dive to into the teens on Monday, overnight into Tuesday.
The freezing temperatures caused icy conditions on local roadways and led to a series of crashes. Now, warming temperatures are causing a pothole problem for drivers.
According to AccuWeather, temperatures will remain steady in the Metro Detroit area with daily highs in the low to mid-40s through the weekend until Christmas Day warms up to 51 degrees.
While potholes aren't a new development in the state -- in fact we're infamous for it -- encountering one can still be a frustrating experience. MDOT recommends the following tips that can help drivers deal with potholes:
Be Alert
Stating the obvious, it is best to avoid hitting potholes whenever possible. That is easier to do if you are driving cautiously and not tailgating, which allows you more time to see and react to any approaching potholes.
Unfortunately, potholes are not always obvious in the daylight and they are even harder to spot in the dark. Make sure your headlights are working and your windshield is clear. Also, be extra cautious around puddles because it could be a pothole filled with water. Lastly, keep a firm grip on your steering wheel because potholes can cause your vehicle to change direction suddenly.
Potholes can cause your vehicle to change direction suddenly. Do not swerve into an occupied lane, which could lead to a collision causing further damage or injury.
Vehicle Maintenance
Hitting a pothole can damage your vehicle. However, there are some things you can do to keep it to a minimum.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Over- or under-inflated tires fare worse when they tangle with a pothole. Tires showing excessive wear or bulges in the sidewalls will not hold up as well to potholes, either.
Have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle's suspension and steering components. Steering that is in good condition and responsive can help you avoid hitting potholes. Shocks, struts, and springs that are in good condition can help cushion the blow.
Driving Technique
If you spot a pothole ahead and cannot safely steer to avoid it, it is best to slow down, straighten your wheel to hit it squarely, release the brakes, and roll through. This helps to reduce the speed at impact and give your suspension the full range of travel to absorb the impact.
Hitting a pothole at an angle can transfer the energy of impact in ways more likely to damage your vehicle.
Hitting a Pothole
Tire and wheel damage are common in pothole hits. Be sure to look your vehicle over for obvious signs of damage. If your car is pulling one way or the other, you may need to get your steering realigned. If your vehicle is "bottoming out" or bouncing, you may have a damaged suspension. If these are occurring, you should have your vehicle checked out and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Remember: A properly maintained vehicle can help you avoid road hazards.
Report It
Whether you hit a pothole or you missed it, you can save your fellow motorists the headache and costs of repairs by reporting it.
If the pothole is located on a city street or county road, report it to your city public works department or county road commission.
If the pothole is located on a state trunkline (M, I, or US route), report it via the online form or call the Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546.
