The Scoop on Potholes and how to Avoid Them

It is awfully difficult to traverse city roads without encountering a pothole. Sometimes, potholes can linger for years.
Car on back road

Potholes form as a result of uneven roads that cause the back ends of trucks to smack against the road. Potholes also form due to freezing and thawing that leads to cracking. When moisture reaches such cracks, they form potholes. Often, drivers see potholes and swerve into another lane without looking. This reaction might cause an accident and raise auto insurance rates.

Why Potholes are Such a Problem

Potholes are certainly unsightly. They often mar otherwise clean roads that are in solid condition.

Yet the most glaring problem posed by potholes is the damage they inflict on vehicles. Potholes have the potential to severely damage a vehicle's wheels, tires and suspension. Let's take a look at a few tips that will help drivers reduce the impact of potholes.

How Drivers can Avoid Potholes

The best way to avoid potholes is to use common sense.

Drive at a reasonable speed that is always at or below the posted speed limit. Such a safe speed will provide you with ample time to react if you spot a pothole.
Do not swerve into an adjacent lane to avoid the pothole. Changing lanes could cause an accident worse than any damage resulting from direct contact with the pothole.
If you have enough time to gauge traffic in an adjacent lane, do so. If you believe there is enough space to change lanes before hitting the pothole, go ahead and move over.

Minimize the Damage

In most instances, you will not have enough time to avoid potholes. Be especially aware at night when potholes are that much more difficult to see.

You may be able to reduce the damage of the impact by reducing your rate of speed. Take your foot off the brake after making contact with the pothole. This strategy helps your automobile absorb the impact. Be sure to approach the potholes with your vehicle's wheels pointed straight ahead. Striking a pothole at an angle can worsen the damage.

It will also help to keep your vehicle in good working order. A well-maintained car stands better chance of emerging from a pothole without damage. Keep your vehicle's tires inflated to the proper level. Make sure the steering and suspension are in tip-top shape. These preparations will help you avoid an accident that spikes your car insurance rate.

Do you need auto insurance? Let us help. Call RCU Insurance Services for a fast, free policy quote.

Posted 7:46 AM

Tags: auto insurance