Pothole season – 2022 version!
Just like clockwork! As soon as the days get a bit warmer, spring approaches, and the rains come, potholes appear and grow like weeds. The Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) has patrols out looking for issues but the number of potholes on the 1,700-plus miles of paved county roads and 230 miles of state highways they are charged with maintaining grows larger every year.
RCOC also depends a lot on citizens like you to report potholes – and other road issues – that need their attention. There is a form on the RCOC website that can be used to report any non-emergency issues.
If it’s a large pothole, particularly one with sharp-edged that could damage vehicles, you should report it for emergency response to the RCOC Customer Services, 877-858-4804. For less severe issues that don’t require an emergency response, use the Report-an-Issue form on the RCOC website. Let them know the nature of the problem and the location. You can even upload a photo if you need to.
Don’t assume that someone else has already reported an issue. And don’t assume that RCOC won’t respond. They will follow up, but it might take a few days if it’s just your run of the mill pothole on a lesser travelled side road.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Roads
For potholes on a state trunkline (an “I-“, “M-“, or “US-” route) MDOT is asking for the public’s assistance in mapping them out. Submit it to MDOT’s Report a Pothole webpage or call the Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546.
If your vehicle sustained damage from a pothole on a Michigan trunkline, you may file a claim. See the Damage Claim Procedure page for info. However, be aware that most claims are denied under governmental immunity laws.
More Information:
- RCOC pothole information brochure
- Just FYI. You might find these interesting. — pothole facts and Lifespan of a Pothole
- This video explains how Michigan roads got so bad.
POTHOLE DRIVING TIPS FOR YOUR SAFETY:
1) Keep your speed down and watch for potholes so you can avoid them. 2) When a pothole is unavoidable, slow down as much as you can (safely), then drive straight through the pothole. Turning your wheel and hitting one on a weird angle could damage the sidewall of your tires. That can create a blow-out — a much more serious situation. Plus, swerving at the last second can be super dangerous. If you hit the pothole straight on and something feels off with the way your car drives, get it checked out as soon as possible. 3) It’s also a good idea to always keep your tire pressure at the recommended levels during pothole season — and any time of the year.