Have you ever experienced banging on your brake just to avoid a pothole?
After a winter season, potholes appear like mushrooms. These holes and road cracks differ in size and shape. They are caused by the contraction and expansion of ground water that seeps through road cracks in the pavement.
Pothole is considered as one of the road hazards that can cause damage to your metal wheels and tires. Vehicle tires are always in contact with the road which put them in the front line of a pothole’s strike.
Some drivers usually swerve when they see a potential road hazard, but this practice is not a good option because you might lose control and perhaps hit another object.
So, what will you do to if you see a pothole near you?
The Brisbane City Council provided a form to report any pothole that you will see in the Brisbane City Council Area. But aside from this, School of Transport came up with an idea of providing you safe driving practices.
Compiled by our HR Driving School, here are some tips on how to drive safe when you see a pothole:
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Maintain a clean windshield
The best way to increase your road perceptibility whilst driving is to make sure that the windshield is clean and clear. It will protect you from any debris and road hazards that can harm you. Higher road visibility will give you enough time to brake when you see an unsafe pothole.
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Use your rear-view mirror
Mirrors are used to see what’s going on around you. This will help you in spotting a potential road hazard like a pothole. School of Transport recommends checking your rear-view mirror before hitting the brakes. Make sure that you straighten your vehicle’s wheel before going over a pothole.
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Be Attentive
Our HR Driving School advises looking the road ahead and increase your following distance behind the truck in front of you. As much as possible, avoid ponds of water because usually, it disguises the pothole.
Always remember that vision is the key. If you pay attention to the road, you will have a greater chance of spotting a pothole and a higher chance of steering clear and slowing down.
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Keep your tires properly inflated
Your tires are the most important defense between your vehicle and a pothole. Make sure that they are properly inflated and have a sufficient tread depth. Tires that are properly inflated hold up better against potholes.
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Slow down
Drive at a lesser speed, especially when you are driving on a bumpy road. If you see an obvious pothole, our HR Driving School recommends pulling your vehicle in the safest place. Make sure to do it gradually to avoid any accident. Driving slowly can also lessen the risk of damage to your tires, wheel, alignment, and suspension because it lessens the impact when you accidentally hit a pothole.
If you’ve experienced hitting a pothole before, how did you handle it? Tell us about your worst pothole experience.
