Maine City Named One Of The Worst In The U.S. For Potholes

Spring has sprung, and so have the potholes.

Granted, we didn't have much of a winter, but there has been plenty of rain, so you know what that means, the annual tradition of driving over potholes here in the State of Maine.

A survey named Bangor one of the top cities with the worst potholes.

With data going back to 2004, Bangor clocked in at No. 21 on the list of results and was the only Maine city on the list. They based it on pothole-related complaints and repairs for each city on the list.

Not a shocker, but several other spots in New England made the list. Overall, Maine came in at number 43 for states, Massachusetts was way up there at number 6, Vermont, at 13, and New Hampshire at 33.

No surprise, but the pothole problem stems from the winter weather. Freezing and thawing of the roads, create cracks in the pavement, which eventually open up as potholes. Then, when you factor in plowing, the roads take even more of a beating.

The biggest problem seems to stem from the perceived lack of attention to the matter, when you survive a Maine winter, driving over numerous potholes can feel like you are riding over a minefield.

Where does the term come from? Looking for a cheap source of raw materials for making clay pots, potters would dig into the deep ruts to reach clay deposits underneath. Teamsters driving wagons and coaches over those roads knew who and what caused these holes and referred to them as “potholes.”

What can you do to avoid them this spring? Here a couple of tips, that might come in handy as you navigate the roads:

Reduce your speed and straighten your wheels.

Stay alert

Be cautious when water is on the roadway

Stay on top of vehicle maintenance