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The Garden State ranks high on the list of states with the most potholes in the country, according to a recent study by USA Today, using Google Trends data from the past three years. Topping the list was Washington, followed by Minnesota, Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, and California. New Jersey ranked as number 8 in a tie with Maryland. New York fared slightly worse at number 7. Interestingly, Pennsylvania, despite its longstanding reputation for having the country’s worst roads, only ranked 11th on the list.
Potholes are a common issue nationwide, caused primarily by water absorption, freeze-thaw cycles, heat, and general wear and tear. These factors make every city, county, and state in America susceptible to their development.
According to AAA, an astonishing 44 million drivers paid for vehicle repairs due to pothole damage last year. The average repair bill was approximately $400 nationwide. However, in New Jersey, the cost was significantly higher, averaging $713 per year.
Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, leading to costly repairs. They can damage tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment. The impact of hitting a pothole can be similar to that of a 35-mph car accident.
Drivers are encouraged to report potholes to help local authorities address the issue more effectively. In New Jersey, drivers can report potholes on roads by calling 1-800-POTHOLE or visiting the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s problem reporting website.