Uh-oh, here comes rubble

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19 August 2011              

This week IAM Drive & Survive head of training Simon Elstow gives motorists advice on avoiding the risks associated with potholes.

 

Thirty per cent of respondents to a recent IAM poll reported that they had experienced damage to their car caused by hitting a pothole, and a further 16 per cent had seen or been involved in an accident due to one.

 

  • Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front so that you can see the road surface before you drive or ride on it.
  • If you do hit a pothole accidentally, make a point of checking your tyres once you’ve stopped. Check the inner as well as the outer tyre wall, which may have been damaged as a result.
  • Avoid suddenly pulling out to avoid a hole – you might discover that there is a motorcyclist trying to get past you, or encounter an oncoming vehicle.
  • Motorcyclists and cyclists need to look well ahead and change direction early so they have time to deal with the holes, and so that their movements don’t cause surprise to other road users.
  • Potholes tend to reappear in the same place again as previous repairs fail – remember where you saw one and expect it to be there again.
  • Be extra vigilant on roads with lots of lorries and also around bus stops.  Extra pressure is put on the road surface wherever heavy vehicles stop, start or turn.

 

Elstow said: “As well as worrying about yourself and your vehicle, drivers should spare a thought for cyclists and motorcyclists who may be trying to get past a pothole, and give them a wide berth. They are entitled to a wobble and would appreciate not having a motorist attempting to overtake just as they avoid a hole in the road.”

 

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Notes to editors:

 

  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

Note to the editor:

1.     For information about IAM Drive & Survive phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

 

Media contacts:

IAM Drive and Survive Press Office – 020 8996 9777

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iam.org.uk

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