Woman Reportedly Fined For “Dodging Potholes”

Potholes are popping up all around the country after the winter weather has started to wind down. And some of those can do quite a bit of damage to your ride, so most of you are probably out there dodging them however one Ohio woman learned the hard way that dodging them can be just as costly as hitting one.

Local news station Fox8 reports that Alanna Corns was just trying to avoid a pothole but ended up being pulled over and cited by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper.

“Like when I got it, I was so dumbfounded, like really— a ticket for dodging potholes? What really got me is on my actual ticket it says for dodging potholes,” Corns said.

She has been steering clear of potholes since her car’s struts and sway bar were recently damaged by one having her already saving up money for the repairs. Now, though, the ticket could cost her an additional $150 to $250.

“I get that I did something I wasn’t supposed to do, but at the same time if the potholes weren’t as bad as what they are I wouldn’t have to swerve as much as I do,” said Corns.

She was driving on W. Tuscarawas Street in Canton when she said she swerved “a little” into the turning lane to avoid several large holes before a state trooper immediately stopped her. The trooper gave her a ticket, and in the remarks area wrote: left of center, dodging potholes, vehicle opposite direction.

Corns admits to crossing into the turning lane but said she never came close to any other vehicles and understands that she may have to pay the fine. She can’t help but wonder if the city also bears some responsibility for this issue. She said she definitely will report future potholes and is warning other drivers to be careful, while also getting ready to contest the ticket in court.

A city spokesperson told Fox 8 that they agree the potholes are frustrating this time of year and that they filled those in question as soon as they heard about it and that most days they have three crews out doing patchwork when the weather permits.

The dramatically fluctuating weather causes them to develop quickly and makes it nearly impossible to know where every single one is located without help from the public so reporting potholes to your city is crucial.