Spring is synonymous with warmer temperatures, blossoming flowers, and fun outdoor activities. Yet, the season also brings an all-too-familiar problem: potholes. While these road cavities can form at any point, potholes are especially prevalent this time of year.
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes form when water enters cracks in the road during wet weather. As temperatures fluctuate, the water expands and contracts, weakening the pavement. The problem worsens in winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Passing vehicles further damage the road surface, causing it to break apart and form depressions that eventually develop into potholes.
What are the Hidden Hazards of Potholes?
Potholes vary in size, from small, shallow dips to large, deep craters. These road imperfections pose risks ranging from minor annoyances to serious hazards. They can scatter gravel and stones, increasing the chance of cracked windshields and vehicle body damage. Striking a pothole may cause tire blowouts, bent rims, or misaligned wheels. The impact can also damage suspension systems or axles, leading to costly repairs. Even more dangerously, hitting a pothole can cause drivers to lose vehicle control, and attempting to avoid it by swerving may lead to overcorrection or veering into another lane, heightening the likelihood of an accident.
What Can Drivers Do to Minimize the Hazards of Potholes?
While it is impossible to eliminate potholes entirely from the nation's roadways, there are actions you can take to reduce or prevent the hazards they pose:
Maintain tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Tires that are overinflated or underinflated do not have the flexibility needed to safely absorb the shock of hitting a pothole. Properly inflated tires help soften the impact, lowering the risk of both vehicle damage and loss of control.
Stay on top of vehicle maintenance. Regular vehicle care helps ensure critical components, like suspension systems and tires, are in optimal condition to navigate rough roads. Also, keeping your headlights and windshield clean is essential, as dirt, grime, or streaks can impair your visibility, making it harder to spot potholes or other dangerous road conditions.
Complete pre- and post-trip inspections in accordance with federal regulations. These assessments enable you to detect pothole-related damage early, minimizing expensive repairs while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Store loose items inside the vehicle. Unsecured objects can become dangerous projectiles after hitting a pothole. They may also slide under the pedals, hindering your ability to brake or accelerate safely.
Buckle up. A seat belt keeps you securely in your seat during the jarring impact of potholes, reducing the risk of injury or worse. It also helps you remain in the proper position to maintain control of the vehicle during these sudden jolts.
Minimize distractions. It can take less than second of distraction to prevent you from spotting a pothole in your path. Keep your focus on the task of driving by refraining from activities such as talking on the phone, eating, changing radio stations, or reaching for items in the vehicle.
Scan ahead. Keep your eyes moving and look well beyond the vehicle(s) immediately in front of you. This process will allow you time to prepare for road defects rather than simply react to them. Also, be attentive to the movements of other vehicles, as sudden swerving or braking may indicate the presence of a pothole or other road hazard.
Keep a safe following distance. A generous gap between vehicles improves your ability to see potholes, giving you extra time to safely adjust your lane positioning and navigate around them. Moreover, a safe following distance lessens the risk of vehicle damage from flying debris or a potential collision if another driver suddenly swerves or brakes to avoid a pothole.
Watch for puddles. What seems like a harmless puddle on the road may conceal a deep pothole. Whenever possible, avoid driving through puddles.
Slow down when visibility is limited. Reduced visibility can make it harder to spot potholes in advance. Lowering your speed at night or during harsh weather gives you more time to react.
Report hazardous potholes. If you encounter a dangerous pothole, alert authorities as soon as possible. Reporting it can speed up the repair process, improving road safety for all drivers.
What to Do If You Can't Avoid a Pothole
If you cannot avoid a pothole safely:
Slow down before reaching it—do not brake while driving over the pothole.
Approach the pothole head-on to reduce the risk of tire and suspension damage.
Grip the steering wheel firmly as you pass over the pothole to maintain control.
If you hit a pothole and suspect damage:
Pull over to a legal location when it is safe to do so to inspect your vehicle.
Remain alert for unusual sounds, vibrations, or changes in the vehicle’s handling while driving, as these may indicate issues.
Follow your company's procedures for reporting any issues so that repairs can be made promptly.
Potholes are a frequent problem in the spring, but with extra caution, you can minimize the dangers. By maintaining your vehicle, staying vigilant, and using proper driving techniques, you can help protect your vehicle and decrease the likelihood of accidents, even when the roads are far from ideal.
