The AAA motor club in a new study found that pothole damage has cost U.S. drivers $15 billion in vehicle repairs over the last five years or about $3 billion annually. “In the last five years, 16 million drivers across the country have suffered pothole damage to their vehicles,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair. “The problems range from tire punctures and bent wheels to more expensive suspension damage.” AAA cautioned drivers to remain alert to avoid pothole damage, and urged state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize road maintenance to reduce vehicle damage, repair costs and driver frustration.