Albuquerque, N.M : Pothole may have caused I-40 motorcycle crash on Monday, May 11, 2015

Investigators are trying to figure out if a pothole is the reason a New Mexico man lost control of his motorcycle and crashed Monday.

The crash happened about noon at Interstate 40’s Tijeras exit. Two men were riding their bikes when one of them lost control and slammed into the pavement, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

He was wearing a jacket that said Navy SEAL, but was not wearing a helmet. He was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Deputies said speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors.

The state’s Department of Transportation confirms there was a 6-inch-deep, 1-foot-wide pothole near the crash. It has since been repaired.

Deputies said potholes like that can be disastrous for bikers.

"A car with four wheels, you might get a blown-out tire, get a little bit of damage to a vehicle. But with a motorcycle, if you hit a pothole like that -- especially at highway speeds, it can be devastating to a motorcyclist," said Sheriff's Office Sgt. Aaron Williamson.

Williamson said the same spot was repaired less than a month ago.

During this time of year, the constantly changing weather causes roads to expand, creating potholes, NMDOT said. Officials are asking residents to contact NMDOT if they see a pothole.

NMDOT has 800 workers who travel the state looking for and fixing potholes. It spends $200 million each year fixing roads.

Source :
Pothole may have caused I-40 motorcycle crash