Final answer:
Starting pavement repair close to the defect is vital for effectively addressing the root cause of the problem, similar to how a doctor should treat an underlying illness rather than just its symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with pavement repair, starting close to the defect itself is crucial because it enables targeted and efficient use of resources. Similar to the metaphor where a person hurtling towards the ground might not benefit from digging a hole to escape the inevitable, treating a problem without addressing its root cause is unwise. Thus, when breaking pavement close to the defect, it ensures that the actual problem is dealt with rather than just the symptoms.
Just as in healthcare, where treating a superficial skin condition without addressing an underlying illness would be ineffectual, the same principle applies to geo-engineering tasks. Repair efforts must focus on the cause of pavement damage to prevent further degradation and to provide a lasting solution. Starting the break-up process near the defect allows for a thorough examination and repair of the affected area, potentially revealing any unseen issues below the surface that could escalate if left untreated.