Do You Avoid the Storm Drain at This Popular Maine Intersection?

As silly as it may sound, there are thousands of storm drains in our Pine Tree State, but there’s just something about this one.

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For the most part, Mainers love their rides and take their vehicles' health and safety very seriously. So, at baseline, we should be aware of what we’re driving over, whether it’s potholes, curbs, or, yes, storm drains.

So, what’s the big deal? It’s just a storm drain; why give it a second thought?

This seemingly inconspicuous storm drain, at least the one we’ll be talking about today, has become a focal point for some serious contemplation. And let's be real here, folks. We've all been there. Even if the decision is to drive right over it and test your suspension, you had to make that decision.

And just on that note, does driving over storm drains or sewer grates REALLY ‘test’ your suspension?

Well, that question has been asked and answered on Quora, and according to an anonymous comment on the internet (we should believe everything we read on the internet, right?), avoiding such road obstacles like sewer grates and storm drains indeed saves your car's suspension from unwanted stress and could save you money down the line, again, according to this seemingly very reliable source.

So which storm drain in Maine are we talking about today?

If you're a Bangor local and have ever ventured into the far left lane while getting off from the I-95 Exit 186 off-ramp, you've probably seen it. There’s a storm drain at the intersection of Stillwater Avenue and the Kohl's shopping plaza.

It's that moment when you're about to make that left turn, and suddenly, a daunting choice presents itself - do you steer left, right, or heaven forbid, directly over the storm drain? The result? A mental tug-of-war that rivals any Olympic event, and possibly a lifelong commitment to overthinking.

For the risk-averse, the choice seems clear. After all, who wants a bent wheel or a popped tire just because they chose not to play dodge-the-drain?