Hitting a pothole is the worst. Drivers spend nearly $3 billion repairing damage, AAA says

Hitting potholes can be scary, like a horror movie.

They jolt our senses, justifying foul-mouthed responses, because the damage can be expensive.

"We become sailors at that point and use every word in the book," said Jackson Township resident Brittney Emerick, whose husband recently hit a pothole.

A pothole can flatten tires, bend wheels and damage suspensions, exhaust systems and engines. They also can knock a vehicle out of alignment, impacting the steering wheel.

And, unfortunately, they have arrived as winter gives way to spring.

"I hit a pothole on a road to a local school and destroyed the alignment on the front my car,and it was never right after that," Massillon resident Bethany Frye said.

Jessica Kerr, a North Canton resident, added: "I hit a big one this week and instantly worried it’s going to impact my family financially by causing the need for repairs."

How much do potholes cost Americans?

According to AAA figures, U.S. drivers spend almost $3 billion annually on pothole repairs. Most repairs cost less than $250 but some can exceed $1,000.

"Not only do potholes pose a safety risk to motorists, they can really leave a dent in your wallet," said Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services for AAA East Central.

AAA East Central serves 2.7 million members in five states, including Ohio, with 72 local offices.

"It can cost more than $1,000 to fix problems like tire punctures and bent wheels, let alone uncompromising issues like suspension damage," Hoshaw said.

What causes potholes?

Ray Marsch, a district spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation, said recent weather conditions have made Northeast Ohio roadways more susceptible to potholes, which vary in shape and sizes.

"This is because of the freeze-thaw cycle," he said.

Snow and ice melt or rain gets under the pavement, and when the water freezes, the pavement expands.

"As temperatures rise again, the ice melts and leaves a void that creates the pothole," Marsch said.

The weight of cars and trucks weakens the area and the asphalt starts to breakdown, creating potholes.

"The worst part is when you see it coming but because of the level or flow of traffic it's unavoidable," North Canton resident Hannah Esworthy-Roe said.

Rikki Price, who also lives in North Canton, said her husband hit a pothole on his way home and damaged the tires on his new car.