The season to be less than jolly

The season to be less than jolly

It’s the most bone-jarring season of all.

We’re not talking about football season, because for one thing it’s over and for another that only jars the bones of those who play the game. This is the season when anyone on the road is likely to have his or her teeth rattled.

And, perhaps worse, while the driver can shake off a jolt or two, a car can be less resilient.

It’s pothole season, that time of year when the sun breaks through the clouds just long enough to encourage the freeze-thaw cycle that leaves our roads as pock-marked as the face of the Man in the Moon.

To their credit, work crews are out every day, even dodging traffic to throw some quick-patch in those holes, hoping to hit them before area motorists do.

Filling all those potholes is a challenge, especially this year, because a severe winter has encouraged more and deeper potholes and road crews have worked long hours during one of the snowiest winters on record.

Street budgets that were already facing reduced revenue due to lower gasoline tax revenue and state cutbacks, are now challenged with the cost of materials and extra man hours for pothole patrols.

Still, street departments throughout the area are rising to the challenge.

Motorists can help by reporting potholes that they believe demand immediate attention. They can do themselves a favor by keeping an eye out for potholes and making every attempt to safely maneuver around them. Suspension components, tires and rims are expensive.

And, of course, drive with extra care in any area where repair crews are working.

And take heart, because inevitably after pothole season comes spring.