We may have survived the Dallas Icepocalypse, but melting ice and refreezing conditions can still cause car accidents in Dallas. The biggest issues to avoid on the road right now: potholes.
As the frozen ground thaws out, new potholes are creeping up around Dallas. From major highways to small neighborhood streets, Dallas workers cannot get to these issues fast enough. The Texas Department of Transportation is working to get the worst of these potholes repaired, but what can you do to avoid damage to your car?
- Drive at a pace that allows you to avoid the pothole. Swerving at high speeds can cause a greater risk. By driving at a speed that allows you to spot these dangers and adjust your route, you can ensure your safety as well as those around you.
- Do not tailgate. If you are too close to the person in front of you, there is no hope of avoiding the pothole.
- Avoid puddles. Just because a puddle looks small, the damage may be deceiving.
- Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Dependig on how you hit the pothole, it may cause your tires to shift in a new direction. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel to lessen the jerk on your car.
- Do not brake your car heavily into the pothole. By braking, you are causing your suspension to take the brunt of the pothole. You want to simply slow down so you have forward momentum without causing a car wreck.
Hitting a pothole at high speeds can cause popped tires, blown suspension and destroyed alignment. Even if you think your car is fine after you hit a pothole, be sure to get everything checked out by a professional.
To report a pothole in the city of Dallas, call 311 or 214.670.5111.
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