Driving lessons affected by potholes

When we have extreme weather conditions such as freezing temperatures and snow, the road surfaces seem to get worse and crumble. As a result of this, drivers have to take extra precaution when driving; they will most probably slow down or try and avoid driving directly into a pothole. Potholes are small craters that are formed due to freezing temperatures causing the tarmac to crumble. If you were to drive over these potholes at a high speed, it could cause your tyres to burst or even cause your suspension to fail.

Dangers and risks of potholes

Other than damage to a vehicle, there are other risks and dangers associated with potholes.

They include:

• Flying debris from passing cars driving over potholes
• Pedestrians falling from tripping or twisting ankles in potholes
• Cyclists and motorcyclists injuring themselves or others
• Swerving to miss a pothole and causing accidents
• Tyres being blown out is the most common consequence of driving through a pothole

Driving lessons and potholes

As a result of poor road conditions, driving instructors are being forced to alter routes to completely avoid potholes whereas others are teaching students how to drive safely on a road with a pothole or two. There have been cases of learner drivers being involved in accidents whilst being on a lesson due to potholes - tyres have burst, accidents involving other vehicles and even instructors have been hurt. Instructors are working hard to ensure the safety of all learner drivers and make sure they have the skills and knowledge to help them continue safe driving when they have passed. Here are some tips from driving instructors about potholes:

• Try to stay in your lane even if there is an upcoming pothole, slow down and only swerve if it is safe to do so
• Slow down but keep eyes on the traffic behind, if need be switch on hazard lights to warn drivers behind
• Look ahead and plan route accordingly, if there is a large pothole or a pothole that has caused damage and accidents, find and alternative route
• Potholes are more common after snow but not all are repaired quickly so always stay alert and refrain from smoking or eating whilst driving to refrain from distraction

With the average cost of filling a pothole costing around £65, in one year alone some local authorities are spending at least £47m repairing potholes and paying out compensation. Do your bit by reporting potholes when you see one, you will help prevent accidents and may even save a life.