Hillary Cohen and her husband experienced a terrifying incident while driving along Highway 40 east in Montreal’s St-Laurent borough on the evening of April 4. A large piece of debris, which Cohen described as being about eight inches in diameter, appeared to be heading towards their vehicle. She believes the debris came from the road after another vehicle drove over a pothole. After posting about the incident on social media, they learned that other motorists in the area also suffered flat tires or broken windshields that evening. The couple is planning to make a claim against the transport ministry, but CAA Quebec warns that obtaining compensation for pothole damage can be challenging.
Nicolas Ryan, a spokesperson for CAA Quebec, explains that in order to successfully make a claim against the government for pothole damage, the citizen must prove that the government was aware of the pothole and failed to address it. Although Cohen understands the difficulty of pursuing such a claim, she is determined to work with others affected by the incident. However, a Transports Québec spokesperson stated that they cannot comment on the incident involving the windshield damage as it was not reported to them. The spokesperson did mention that on the evening of April 4 to 5, there was an advisory issued regarding lost cargo from a vehicle on the Highway 13 on-ramp to Highway 40 east.
The transport ministry reported receiving a report from the Sûreté du Québec about a vehicle being damaged by debris on the A-40 Est near the A-13 overpass on the night of April 4 to 5. It was suggested that this incident may have been due to the loss of cargo from a vehicle, as reported on a social media platform. Additionally, punctures linked to the presence of potholes were reported on the A-40 West near the A-13 after a storm, and repairs were made. Cohen and her husband are eager to determine the cause of the accident and are seeking answers to ensure it does not happen again in the future.
Despite their harrowing experience, Cohen and her husband are determined to pursue justice for the damage caused to their vehicle by the debris. They are working with other affected individuals to gather information and evidence to support their claim against the transport ministry. While the process of seeking compensation for pothole damage can be challenging, they are willing to navigate the complexities in order to hold the government accountable for the safety of the roads. Their story serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from neglected road maintenance and highlights the importance of taking action to address such issues before more accidents occur.
The incident involving Cohen and her husband serves as a wake-up call to authorities responsible for maintaining road safety. The transport ministry’s acknowledgment of the punctures caused by potholes and their subsequent repair indicates that preventive measures can be taken to address potential hazards on roadways. By shining a light on the dangers of debris and potholes on highways, Cohen and her husband are advocating for greater transparency and accountability in road maintenance practices. Their determination to seek answers and hold the government accountable sets a precedent for others who may have experienced similar incidents and underscores the importance of road safety for all motorists.
