Google Trends data analyzed by USA Today shows Tennessee among the worst states for potholes.
Each state’s pothole-related complaints were analyzed by the outlet and received a ranking based on the state’s Google Trends index average.
Tennessee ranked fourth on the list of worst states for pothole damage with an index average of 59.50.
Washington was the state with the worst pothole-related complaints with an index average of 69.25. Minnesota and Michigan followed with index averages of 63.50 and 60.75, respectively.
“Colder, northern states, where winter precipitation and temperature fluctuations wreak havoc on roadways, top the charts. But that doesn’t mean southern drivers escape unscathed. Tennessee and Georgia have their own share of pothole issues,” USA Today said in its analysis.
The outlet also ranked U.S. cities based on worst pothole damage. Nashville placed fourth on the list with an index average of 36.
New York City was ranked the worst city in regards to pothole-related complaints with an index average of 52.25. Los Angeles and Minneapolis followed with index averages of 52 and 38.5, respectively.
As noted by USA Today, a few ways drivers can best protect their cars from potholes include:
- Reduce speed and straighten the wheels;
- Stay alert;
- Be cautious when water is on the roadway;
- Stay on top of vehicle maintenance; and
- Be on the lookout for vehicle changes.
Last year, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) rolled out a new hotline for drivers to report potholes across the state, as previously reported by The Tennessee Star.
Tennesseans can call 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) to report potholes and other roadway maintenance-related issues.
“For the citizens, this hotline will give them another convenient way to report maintenance problems on our interstates and state routes. For TDOT, this centralized way of receiving, processing, and tracking information will enhance our operations,” TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley said at the time.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
I see that Tennessee is ranked fourth worst. Tennessee is fourth from the bottom for everything except salaries for Commissioners and Governor’s staff. TDOT is incompetent.