If it feels like Louisiana’s roads are costing you more than just time, you’re right.
Don Redman with AAA says Louisiana ranks fourth in the country for worst road conditions according to a report by Consumer Affairs, and drivers are footing the bill in the form of repairs, wasted fuel, and roadside assistance.
“On average, poor road conditions are costing Louisiana drivers about $600 a year," Redman said. “That includes things like tire damage, front-end alignments, and extra fuel burned on longer or inefficient routes.”
Potholes are one of the most common problems. Redman says roughly 12 percent of AAA’s roadside tire service calls are due to pothole-related damage.
“People often don’t realize just how much money they’re spending each year just to keep their cars road-ready," Redman said. "As a nation we spend twenty-six million dollars a year on repairs.”
Redman says the condition of Louisiana’s infrastructure is more than an inconvenience: it’s a responsibility.
“We want hot water when we turn on the sink, our toilets to flush, and to not hit a pothole when we pull out of the driveway," Redman said. "It's part of good city management.”