National Pothole Day

National Pothole Day is an American holiday on January 15th. It is dedicated to all motorists suffering from bad roads. Potholes not only bring discomfort when driving but also negatively affect the chassis of the car.

History

The purpose of National Pothole Day is to draw public attention to the increasing number of potholes on the roads each year. In the centers of large cities, it can be rare to encounter poor road surfaces, but in other places, the roads can become a real test for drivers and motorists.

Pavement damage is due to wear and tear, as well as constant exposure to sun and rain. Frosts also adversely affect the strength of asphalt. In the early stages, the potholes are quite small, but without repair, a dangerous “hole” appears on the road after a few months. If it is too deep, you can damage the bottom of the car or pierce the wheel. When you have to drive on bad roads every day, the suspension experiences significant stress, leading to breakdowns of its components.

The name “potholes” probably came from England in the 14th century. Back then, there were often ruts on the roads left by the movement of carriages and chariots. Pottery makers often dug deep into these rutted areas in the hope of finding clay to make pottery. The reason for the appearance of such holes was known, and horse drivers called them “potholes.”

Interesting facts

• To avoid unpleasant situations in the spring, it is best to go around puddles if possible, as you cannot know their depth.
• The worst roads are in Moldova, some poor African countries, Haiti, and Yemen.
• You shouldn’t slow down too much before a pothole to avoid hitting it hard, but you also shouldn’t drive over it too fast, as the impact on the car will be even greater.

How to celebrate

On National Pothole Day, try contacting the relevant road repair services. Get together with other drivers and start a petition. Only by working together can we solve the problem!

Do not use your car on this day. Walk or use public transport. Reduce the load on the roads, and let your car rest from constant stress on bad roads.

When is National Pothole Day in 2025?

National Pothole Day is observed on January 15 each year.

Observations