16 October 2024
Understanding Potholes and Their Impact
A pothole is a hollow in the road, typically caused by the combined effects of traffic and water erosion. With an estimated million-plus potholes scattered across the UK’s roads, the impact on vehicle safety and maintenance is significant. The term “pothole” itself has historical roots, dating back to Roman times when potters would steal clay from roads, leaving noticeable hollows.
How Potholes Pose a Danger to Road Users
Potholes are more than just a nuisance; they are a hazard. According to Cycling UK, 15% of their personal injury claims involve accidents caused by potholes, some of which are fatal. For motorists, the repeated impact with potholes can lead to significant vehicle damage, especially to the undercarriage, and can pose serious safety risks.
While it is best to avoid potholes whenever possible, sometimes they are unavoidable, particularly on poorly lit roads. If a pothole cannot be avoided, it is advised to slow down, maintain a steady speed over the pothole, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. After hitting a pothole, getting your vehicle checked for hidden damages is crucial.
Swerving to miss a pothole might seem a good idea but doing so can lead to penalties for careless driving, with potential fines up to £2,500. Instead, it’s better to report these road issues. Potholes on local roads can be reported to the local council, while those on major roads should be reported to Highways England. Documenting the damage immediately can help when making insurance claims.
You will need to report where the pothole is, the date & time of the incident and what damage was caused to your vehicle. It is advisable to use something as a marker to show exactly where on the road the pothole is – by a bus stop or a prominent building etc or even by using an app/website such as What3words which should be able to provide the precise location. You will need to measure the pothole, if safe to do so; generally, a local council will not entertain a claim if the pothole was less than 40mm in depth.
The financial cost of potholes is substantial, with damages amounting to £474 million, according to This is Money, in 2023 alone. The AA responded to over 623,000 pothole-related incidents that same year. Initiatives such as the Pothole Partnership seek to address and mitigate these damages through collaborative efforts and long-term planning.
How to Report a Pothole and Claim for Damages
For those looking to claim damages, note the location of the pothole, the incident date, and any resulting damage. Tools like what3words.com can be extremely helpful in pinpointing the exact location. Remember, claims are typically only considered if the pothole depth exceeds 40mm.
For more information on how to claim for vehicle damage, visit Gov.uk’s advice page.
As we approach the colder months of 2024/2025, the hope is for milder weather to prevent further roadway deterioration and reduce the frequency of pothole-related incidents and costs.