Poor road conditions plague West Michigan

PORTAGE (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - As millions hit the road over the holiday weekend high gas prices aren't the only things draining our wallets.

The condition of Michigan roads is costing us billions.

A National Transportation Research Group study found that Michigan drivers spend $7 billion a year in wasted time and fuel, more traffic crashes and vehicle maintenance costs.

Interstate 94 is a bumpy ride. Jake Youngblood would know. He drives from Ohio to Michigan each week.

"Especially slow lane up and down, lot of trucks get on that road all the time, it's like a washboard," said Youngblood.

So if roads are rattling you as you drive, what's it doing to your car?

"Driving around, knocks your teeth out but it's not going to bend anything," said Steve Kirk, owner of Kendall Automotive.

Kirk tells us it would take quite a chuck hole to actually do damage to your car.

He's not so sure about a national survey that suggests people in Michigan cities end up spending more than $800 in repair and time because of bad roads.

"I don't know if I believe that," said Kirk. "Even as far as wearing out, you wouldn't spend that much on maintenance."

Still, drivers are certain those bumpy roads are giving vehicles a good work-out, knowing just sitting behind the wheel can shake things up.

"I know it's messing with the shocks, all the time really putting wear and tear," said Kirk.

That survey found in Michigan it's the Grand Rapids urban area that has the bumpiest ride.