How to reduce risk when driving near potholes

Potholes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though all share one thing in common: they can pose a serious safety hazard and cause vehicular damage ranging from minor to major.

While there’s no ‘right’ way to hit a pothole, here are a few suggestions for motorists who find themselves with one rapidly approaching and a collision inevitable.

Ways to avoid potholes safely 

1. Reduce speed as much as possible, but don’t slam on the brakes

If you’ve spotted the pothole early, and the conditions around you mean avoiding it is not an option, then attempt to reduce your speed as much as possible without slamming on the brakes.

The slower your vehicle is travelling when it hits the pothole, the less energy will be transferred into the tyre, wheel rim, suspension/steering components and the cabin, reducing the chances of something breaking.

While reducing speed is important, do not slam your brakes. This is for two reasons:

1. Any sudden reduction in speed can create a dangerous situation for you and surrounding traffic, potentially leading to a rear-end collision;
2. During braking, weight is transferred onto the front wheels, pushing them into the ground even more. When road is suddenly replaced by pothole, this additional weight over the front wheels will push them into the pothole with more force, potentially amplifying damage.

Where possible, turning your hazard lights on to warn drivers behind you of an obstruction up ahead is also a good idea.

2. Keep both hands on the steering wheel 

Keeping both hands on the steering wheel is important (and legally required) whenever you’re operating a car, but especially when dealing with potholes.

A pothole can send tremendous force through steering components, which ends up transferring through the steering wheel and back into a driver’s hands. This can cause motorists with a lax grip to lose control of the steering wheel or even injure their hand/wrist.

3. Don’t swerve at the last second 

Swerving to avoid a pothole at the last moment is dangerous for multiple reasons.

Firstly, you may lose control of your vehicle during the maneuver or swerve it into another lane/oncoming traffic.

Secondly, steering and suspension components are inherently weaker when steering angle has been introduced, making them more likely to break on impact.

4. Prepare your tyres for more potholes 

Maintaining your tyre pressures at the higher end of the manufacturer’s specified window will help them protect the expensive wheel rim inside.

The less air pressure your tyres have, the less ability they have to keep bitumen and wheel apart during a collision with a pothole.

Tyre pressure information can be found on either the driver's side door sill, petrol cap or handbook. If you're still unsure of your vehicle's specific tyre pressures, contact the dealership or speak to your mechanic. For further assistance, our Motoring Advice team is on-call at 13 11 22.

Damaged and flooded regional roads

NRMA Roadside experienced a surge in calls for assistance due to wheel and tyre damage following heavy rains in April and May 2024. The highest increases in calls were seen in Blacktown, Sydney, and the Northern Beaches, as well as in regional areas like Wingecarribee, Lismore, and Wollongong.

Heavy rainfall and flooding can significantly impact road conditions, leading to the formation of potholes. This cycle is exacerbated during prolonged wet weather, as continuous water exposure prevents repairs and causes further deterioration.

The NRMA recommends the following for those travelling in regional areas affected by severe rain and flooding:

• Take extra care, especially at night, and slow down in areas that have suffered extreme weather,
• Never drive through flood waters, even if the water looks shallow,
• Obey road closure signs,
• Avoid visiting flood-affected areas unless absolutely necessary,
• Check Live Traffic for updates before travelling, and
• If you have hit a pothole and have sustained a flat tyre, the NRMA can help.

What to do if you hit a pothole

If you hit a pothole and are concerned you've damaged your vehicle, pull over to a safe location and contact NRMA Roadside Assistance through the My NRMA app or over the phone. NRMA patrols can attend to the vehicle and determine whether it is safe to drive or you need a tow to a mechanic.

While it is unlikely local councils will be liable for any damage to your vehicle as a result of the pothole collision, you should still report the pothole and accident to your local council.

Speak to your insurer about covering the cost of any repairs – issues like this are why drivers should always purchase insurance.