Rochester N.Y. (WHAM) \u2014 Rochester-area drivers may soon see relief from costly pothole repairs if a new proposal in the New York State Senate becomes law.<\/p>\n
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney is pushing legislation<\/a> that would expand when the state is responsible for vehicle damage caused by potholes on state roads. <\/p>\n MORE: New York launches statewide repaving initiative to fill potholes, fix roadways<\/a><\/p>\n Under current law, drivers can only seek compensation from the state for pothole-related damage between May 1 and November 15. Outside of that window, the state is not liable.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would remove the blackout period so that the state of New York would be responsible for helping to fix and repair these vehicles that are damaged on state roads,\u201d Cooney said.<\/p>\n For many local drivers, potholes are more than just a nuisance \u2014 they can lead to expensive repairs.<\/p>\n MORE: Potholes on I-390 cause early season damage for drivers <\/a>| In Rochester area, poor roads cost average driver $2K+ per year, report says<\/a> | Local highway departments leaders push for more state funding for area roads<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t not hit a pothole around here, it\u2019s impossible,\u201d said Allison Snyder of Alfred Station.<\/p>\n Others describe more severe impacts. Max Haas recalled hitting a pothole at highway speed.<\/p>\n \u201cI smacked it going like 65 and the whole car shakes, it\u2019s scary,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Even when damage isn\u2019t immediately obvious, repairs can add up. Haas said one incident resulted in about $4,000 in suspension repairs.<\/p>\n Alex Rheinwald, co-owner of Fox’s Deli in Henrietta, reported replacing a tire shortly after purchasing a vehicle, costing around $200.<\/p>\n Another driver, John Didio, said a pothole \u201cliterally ruined\u201d his car\u2019s alignment.<\/p>\n Responsibility for pothole damage depends on where the damage occurs:<\/p>\n Town and city roads: Local municipalities can be held responsible year-round.State roads: The state is only liable between May 1 and November 15.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel like the time for potholes are any time in the winter, you\u2019ve got them growing with ice,\u201d Snyder said.<\/p>\n