The many potholes lurking in Memphis-area streets are making life a little more difficult for city residents and University of Memphis commuters.
As U of M freshman pre-pharmacy major Kayce Morris sacrastically put it, "I like hitting my head on the roof of the car when I hit a pothole."
"There's a big one over on Cooper Avenue," senior electronic engineering technology major Chris Wilson said. "A water main (burst) and left a big hole in the road."
City information assitant Gregory Hall said there are currently 600 to 700 potholes within the city limits.
"You try to dodge one and hit another," said Dan Utley, sales manager for Hub Cap Annie, 1450 Getwell.
Larry Cooper, city administrator of street maintenance, said moisture is the cause of the holes.
"The number of potholes depends on the weather each year," he said.
According to Roger Meier, associate professor of civil engineering at The U of M, when ice and snow melts on roads, the asphalt begins to separate. Added rain makes potholes even larger and more numerous.
City workers have spent the last few days filling many potholes with gravel.
According to Meier, the gravel is a temporary solution that keeps cars from falling into treacherous holes.
Many Memphis residents are having to make repairs due to the potholes, according to Utley. Potholes can cause flat tires, problems in alignment, bent rims and broken axles. The cost to fix the damage may range from $20 to $6,000.
Utley said his and other hubcap/rim shops are very busy during spring because of increased potholes.
"We are so busy we can't sit down," Utley said.
Residents who have been victimized by potholes may file a claim against the city. However, to be reimbursed for damages, the city must be aware of the pothole prior to the incident, Cooper said.
