New this year is a feature allowing users to specify the type of roadway damage they are reporting and state whether they are motorists, cyclists or pedestrians, to enable better identification.
"This year, Pothole Watch offers a choice of three definitions corresponding to the types of roadway damage often reported in the spring: potholes, pavement scabbing, and pavement breakup around service openings. This will allow us to transmit a wider variety of roadway damage to the relevant authorities," explains Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec's Senior Director,
Public and Government Relations.
The more accurate the information (e.g., name of street, nearby landmarks, cross-street), the easier it is for CAA-Quebec to report the damage. "With the cooperation of road users sending information to us, we can directly notify the municipality in question so that crews can be more quickly dispatched to do the repair work. By working together, we can improve our road
network-that's our goal with Pothole Watch," Gagnon adds.
Since it was first launched eight years ago, Pothole Watch has resulted in thousands of potholes and other instances of pavement damage (e.g., cracks and crevasses) being reported to authorities (municipalities and Transports Québec). Last year saw a record set, with almost 2,600 potholes reported.
Have you damaged your car driving over a particularly bad road in the West End? Is there a pothole that is wreaking havoc on west End drivers and you want to warn others? The Monitor wants to know! Send us the location -and a picture if you so feel inclined and we'll let others know. Email us at toula.foscolos@transcontinental.ca with the torrid details.
Tips for careful driving
CAA-Quebec reminds motorists that when a collision with a pothole is unavoidable, it's important not to apply the brakes and lock the wheels: this can worsen the damage. While you should slow down before the impact, it's also wise to maintain direction and grip the steering wheel firmly. "Swerving suddenly to avoid a pothole might lead to an accident or a loss of control.
The best thing to do is remain calm, slow down, and drive around the hazard if possible, but without putting your safety or that of others at risk,"
Gagnon concludes.
Remedies exist for motorists who notice damage to their vehicle after running into a pothole. CAA-Quebec suggests that they consult the Tips & Tricks page in the Automobile section of www.caaquebec.com. If you are a
CAA-Quebec member, you can also call the organization's Automotive Advisory Services at 1 888 471-2424.
