How to drive safely on a road with potholes

Most of us have been there – travelling along what seems to be a smooth road and then, thud, suddenly hitting a pothole that, at best, causes a small bump in the journey, or, at worst, results in an accident or damage to your car.

Potholes are a significant and ongoing issue, one that experts from the University of Southern Queensland say climate change (especially heavy rain) is making worse and one that affects the entire country.

In Victoria, RACV Head of Policy, James Williams, says that RACV's 2024 My Country Road survey found 64 per cent of respondents identified?potholes?as the top safety issue on regional roads, up from 46 per cent in 2021.

“The key issue in Victoria is that the Government has failed to keep up basic road maintenance funding,” said Williams.

Although potholes are a recognised hazard, they are widespread, which means that if you've been lucky enough to avoid hitting one so far, chances are you will eventually, so it's important to know how to drive safely.

Sometimes, when driving, you can spot a pothole before it’s too late. If that is the case, Williams says that avoiding a pothole is the safest option – but that comes with an important stipulation.

“Drivers should never brake suddenly or swerve because of the risk of a collision with oncoming traffic,” said Williams.

“Maintain a minimum three-second following distance so you have time to react, keep both hands on the wheel, and reduce speed on rough or unfamiliar roads.”

Williams says it is safest to avoid driving through puddles where possible, as they may conceal deep?potholes.

“If a pothole is unavoidable, keep the wheels straight, hold the steering wheel firmly, and release the brakes just before impact to help minimise damage,” said Williams.

Drivers should not brake sharply on impact with a pothole, as this can worsen damage.

“Once it is safe to stop, pull over and check for visible damage such as sagging or bulging tyres, cracked rims, or new body damage.

While any vehicle can be damaged by potholes, certain driving decisions can make it worse.

“Poor hand positioning, excessive speed and following too closely all increase your risk,” said Williams.

“Driving at night or on rough roads without slowing down also leaves less time to react.”

To be best prepared, Williams advises keeping tyres properly inflated, carrying a roadworthy spare and maintaining a safe following distance, all of which help reduce the impact of a pothole strike.

Immediately after a pothole strike, visible damage to your car may include sagging or bulging tyres, cracked or dented rims, and bodywork scrapes.

But sometimes the damage can also appear later.

“Over the following days, watch for the vehicle pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel, or new noises while driving.

“Severe?potholes?can cause major damage to tyres, wheels, suspension, and exhaust components, and in some cases may lead drivers to lose control. Even smaller?potholes?can accelerate wear and lead to costly repairs if ignored.”

Depending on where you hit a pothole, pulling over may not be possible.

In this case, Williams says, “Stay calm, reduce speed, and keep a firm grip on the wheel. Stay alert to any changes in handling or vibration. Pull over and inspect the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.”

And finally, if you hit a pothole or see one while driving, reporting it can be helpful.

Each state and territory has its own procedures, and sometimes the type of road you are driving on can also dictate to whom you need to report it.

“In Victoria, report freeway and arterial road?potholes?to VicRoads, and local road?potholes?to your council,” said Williams.

“Roads may also be managed by other government agencies, such as Parks Victoria, or be privately owned roads like CityLink.”

Looking online for your relevant state, territory, and road is the best way to find the correct reporting body.

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