Spring in Central New York...
Blue Skies - April Showers - May Flowers - POTHOLES !!!

Potholes cause over 500,000 accident insurance claims per year.  Hitting even one pothole can cause damage to springs, struts, frames, rims and tires.  When damage is left unchecked, the results can affect future tire wear and alignment, as well as dangerously altering steering and vehicle handling.

AAA, the nation's largest organization for motorists, offers these tips to help protect vehicles against the jarring experience of a pothole encounter:

* Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for the correct pressure.

* Watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Before swerving around a pothole, be sure to check surrounding traffic.

* If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs.

* When driving over a pothole-filled road, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.

* Do not brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car's weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact.

* Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole.

JOIN THE POTHOLE PATROL!

Help your neighbors avoid the problem spots.  Or maybe you can even help get a crater fixed.

Send us your pictures, video or even a few warning tips about the most dangererous potholes in the area.  We'll post them here and hopefully save a car or two.

Send pictures and e-mails:
witness@wktv.com

CARBONE HONDA Commercial Drive, Yorkville 736-7310

CARBONE DODGE-CHRYSLER-JEEP Commercial Drive, Yorkville 736-3371

CARBONE PONTIAC-BUICK-GMC-SAAB            Commercial Drive, Yorkville 736-0811

CARBONE CHRYSLER-DODGE-JEEP OF BOONVILLE Rt. 12, Boonville                942-4305

DON'S FORD-BMW-SUBARU Rt. 12, Utica                         797-1520

CARBONE HYUNDAI Commerical Drive, Yorkville 736-8356

CARBONE NISSAN  Commercial Drive, Yorkville 624-0402

CARBONE FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY OF ROME       Black River Blvd., Rome  337-0830

 CLICK HERE To View Pothole Reports