BOISE, Idaho — The Treasure Valley has seen an array of winter weather in the past week, and AAA is warning drivers of possible dangers coming to our roads: ponding and potholes.
"In low-lying stretches of roadway, standing water can accumulate, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. And repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can allow potholes to form as roads crack and asphalt and other materials are displaced," AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde said. "Even when temperatures warm, winter driving requires extra caution."
44 million drivers in the U.S. paid for pothole related damages in 2022, according to previous AAA research. The average cost of the repairs ran about $400 per incident.
AAA provided some tips for driving with water on the roadways:
- Avoid driving through standing water when possible
- Actively scan road for obstacles
- If you can't avoid a pothole, slow down safely as much as possible and avoid hard braking.
"If you start to hydroplane, you may notice a slight rise in the front of the car or a loss of steering. To reduce the chances of that happening, slow down, avoid hard braking and sharp turns, and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you," Conde said. "At 30 MPH or less, properly inflated tires with good tread will likely maintain contact with the road. At 60 MPH, water may completely separate the tire from the road. If you know the area, try to avoid 'trouble spots' where hydroplaning may be more likely to occur."
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