Once Again, Indiana is One of the Worst States for Potholes in 2024
Hoosiers have a higher chance of hitting a pothole along the "Crossroads of America" than the majority of other states.
We've all been on roads here in the area where we would have to swerve just to make sure we don't hit potholes. I can think of several roads that I dread driving on for that very reason. They start showing their ugly faces this time of year. Potholes form during winter and early spring due to the temperature changing like crazy. For those who don't know, potholes form when snow and ice melt and seep through the road. Then, when the temperature drops again, the water in the ground begins to freeze. Once that happens, it begins to expand and causes the road to start cracking, thus leading to those dreaded potholes that we all do our best to try to avoid on the road. However, sometimes, you either don't see the pothole or there's just no way to avoid it.
We all know that sound and feeling of hitting a pothole. That cluck and bump when you hit a pothole can be jarring for several reasons. It can catch you off guard especially if you didn't see the pothole coming, then you start to wonder if it caused any damage to your vehicle. As you know, hitting a pothole can cause a lot of damage with a hefty repair cost. Hitting a pothole can pop your tire, damage your wheel and rims, throw off your alignment, ruin the engine or exhaust system, and ruin your vehicle's shocks and struts. None of that is anything you want to have to repair. To give you an idea of how much repairs from potholes will cost you, QuoteWizard.com reports that the average repair bill for pothole accidents is around $306. That's a good chunk of change!
How Bad are Indiana Potholes?
In 2022, Indiana was the second worst state in the country for potholes. Then, in 2023, things changed a little for the better. Indiana was ranked as the fourth-worst state for potholes. So, where does the Hoosier State stand in 2024? Have things gotten any better or worse?
According to USA Today, Indiana has improved its pothole problem slightly. The state comes in as the fifth worst state for potholes in America. While it's still not the best news for Hoosier drivers, a little improvement is better than none at all. Are you surprised by the findings? I wish I could say that I was.
How To Report Potholes
We have several potholes here in the Evansville area that need to be repaired, with more that will pop up in the future. Street Maintenance Departments are continuously patching and repairing potholes, but if you find some in Evansville that need to be repaired, you can easily report them by calling 812-435-6000 or using #evvpotholes. Let's get those repaired so we can rank a little lower on this list for 2025.
If you are outside of Evansville and feel the need to report a pothole, here's what INDOT recommends:
<p>To report a pothole 24/7 on an interstate highway, U.S. highway, or state road, please refer to the INDOT map and visit <strong><a href="http://www.indot4u.com/" target="_blank">www.indot4u.com</a></strong> to report the pothole. You can also call <strong><a href="tel:855-463-6848">855-INDOT4U (463-6848)</a></strong>. For potholes on city streets or county roads, please contact the proper <a href="https://www.in.gov/indot/files/Cities-and-Town-List.pdf" target="_blank">city </a>or <a href="https://www.in.gov/indot/files/County-Contact-List.pdf" target="_blank">county</a> maintenance department.</p><p>When reporting a pothole, please provide the following information:</p><ul><li>The name of the county.</li><li>The state road number.</li><li>The mile marker or nearest cross road.</li><li>The direction of travel and which lane the pothole is located.</li></ul>
10 Indiana Laws You Don't Know You're Breaking
KEEP READING: 40 Real Indiana Towns with Quirky, Weird, and Funny Names
Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan
See 11 Unique Attractions You'll Only Find in Indiana
Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan