Winter Storm Potholes Pose Big Problem for Drivers
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 2, 2013
The last bit of snow is melting away in Central Arkansas but now another hazard is filling the streets. Potholes.
The jagged holes can be seen all over the place, which means these days Discount Tire and Brakes, Inc. owner Tim Wylie is seeing a lot more busted tires.
"We've seen several instances of damage to tires and wheels as well as cars being out of alignment because they hit a pothole," said Wylie.
Potholes are picking up where the snow left off, forcing drivers to pump their breaks or switch lanes. Mechanics say it's best to avoid potholes but on a stretch of Chenal Parkway, there are so many, all drivers can do is slow down and brace for bumps.
Despite caution some drivers find themselves and their tires in Wylie's shop.
"Injuries like this on the sidewall can happen often times if you hit the pothole," Wylie said, pointing at a tire.
Driver Derrick Veasley is all too familiar with pothole problems.
"Oh shoot, don't hit it," Veasley said.
Getting his tire checked Wednesday, Veasley said potholes have busted his tires before.
"I try to dodge them though if I do come across them, they can do some damage to your vehicle," he added.
So far this year he's been lucky. But as more potholes pop up and street crews focus on debris cleanup, Wylie is warning drivers to watch out.
"There are several remedies but the best is to avoid them," he said.
There are two street crews devoted to repairing potholes, but a public works spokesperson says the city's main priority right now is debris cleanup, which could take eight weeks.
If you need to report potholes in your area all 311 and report the address.
The jagged holes can be seen all over the place, which means these days Discount Tire and Brakes, Inc. owner Tim Wylie is seeing a lot more busted tires.
"We've seen several instances of damage to tires and wheels as well as cars being out of alignment because they hit a pothole," said Wylie.
Potholes are picking up where the snow left off, forcing drivers to pump their breaks or switch lanes. Mechanics say it's best to avoid potholes but on a stretch of Chenal Parkway, there are so many, all drivers can do is slow down and brace for bumps.
Despite caution some drivers find themselves and their tires in Wylie's shop.
"Injuries like this on the sidewall can happen often times if you hit the pothole," Wylie said, pointing at a tire.
Driver Derrick Veasley is all too familiar with pothole problems.
"Oh shoot, don't hit it," Veasley said.
Getting his tire checked Wednesday, Veasley said potholes have busted his tires before.
"I try to dodge them though if I do come across them, they can do some damage to your vehicle," he added.
So far this year he's been lucky. But as more potholes pop up and street crews focus on debris cleanup, Wylie is warning drivers to watch out.
"There are several remedies but the best is to avoid them," he said.
There are two street crews devoted to repairing potholes, but a public works spokesperson says the city's main priority right now is debris cleanup, which could take eight weeks.
If you need to report potholes in your area all 311 and report the address.
