Problem of potholes

Arkansas is known as the Natural State, and with roads there is nothing more natural than potholes. However, potholes make driving increasingly hazardous. Once a pothole begins to form, if not addressed and fixed, it will only become bigger in response to the constant driving and fluctuating weather. Not only do potholes destroy the roads they inhabit, but also the cars that drive on the roads. Drivers in America pay about $3 billion annually to repair damage caused by potholes.

There is a new method of tracking and fixing potholes that has had success in improving the pothole problem in many major cities such as Houston and Syracuse. Cities and states are now implementing apps and online forums to allow citizens to report where a pothole is located. This is also being used by city officials to create trend-lines to show where the most potholes are and how often they occur.

This technology is making it easier for road workers to go where they are needed the most, and I believe it would be very effective here. Many roads in Arkansas are small back roads that are often never maintained and could benefit from this technology. This method would allow for more efficient ways to repair potholes, saving Arkansas residents money. Please join me in helping to make this natural state an even more beautiful place to live by contacting your government representatives and letting them know that there is a new way to save our roads. WHITNEY HAZESLIP

Cabot