More drivers than ever are concerned about potholes, according to a new RAC survey. 56% of those surveyed said that the condition and maintenance of roads was one of their main concerns – an issue highlighted in our latest Road Safety Culture report. This has increased by 7% compared to 2023 (49%).
Concerningly, the survey also revealed that 27% had required damage repair after hitting a pothole. In the worst-affected locations, almost half of drivers had suffered pothole damage to their vehicles.
Punctures (47%) are the most common problem reported, followed by wheel damage (43%) and broken suspension springs (29%). Pothole damage can cause all sorts of mechanical issues, ranging from suspension and engine damage to wheel rim damage and steering misalignment. Such damage can be costly to repair, with typical pothole damage costing anything up to £460 to repair.
Potholes were significantly above the second-highest concern – the cost of car insurance, which was identified by 35% of respondents.
To read more on this survey, click here.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “This report lays bare the challenge required to improve the standard of our road network. While focus is often on the expensive damage potholes can do to vehicles, they are also a huge road safety hazard particularly for those on two wheels. We urge the Government to come up with a roads renewal plan, which includes ringfenced funding so we can finally start to get a grip on our crumbling road network.”
Watch the below video with your drivers for a few of our top tips on the best ways to spot and avoid pothole damage, helping to keep the roads safer and minimise costly repairs.
Observing, anticipating, and planning are techniques to successfully deal with road hazards such as potholes, and are covered on our flagship on-road training course, Driving for Work. Designed for business drivers and tailored to fit each trainee’s needs, Driving for Work training sessions are fun, friendly, and delivered one-on-one by a qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Contact us to find out more.
