Potholes: Why Learners Need More Guidance to Avoid Catastrophe
By Blind Spot DriveBlog
Potholes: Why Learners Need More Guidance to Avoid Catastrophe
Potholes: Why Learners Need More Guidance to Avoid Catastrophe
Outline of the Article
H1: Potholes: Why Learners Need More Guidance to Avoid Catastrophe
- H2: Introduction
- Why potholes are a hidden danger for drivers
- Alarming survey statistics highlighting learners’ lack of awareness
H2: Understanding the Impact of Potholes
- H3: What Happens When You Hit a Pothole?
- Tyre damage risks
- Suspension issues and vehicle control loss
H2: Survey Insights: Learners’ Unawareness About Potholes
- H3: Lack of Vehicle Checks After Impact
- Breakdown of survey data: how often learners skip vehicle inspection
- Consequences of neglecting immediate tyre checks
H2: Dangers of Driving Through Potholes Without Proper Precautions
- H3: Immediate and Delayed Tyre Pressure Loss
- Why pressure loss can be sudden or gradual
- Long-term risks of unaddressed tyre issues
H2: The Importance of Tyre Knowledge for Learners
- H3: Survey Results on Learner Knowledge of Tyre Checks
- High percentage of learners never performing tyre checks
- Steps to perform basic tyre pressure checks
H2: Strategies to Minimize Damage from Potholes
- H3: Correct Braking Techniques Before a Pothole
- How braking impacts your car’s suspension
- H3: Keeping Control and Steering Tips
- Why swerving is dangerous
- Importance of entering a pothole straight
H2: What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Pothole
- H3: Vehicle Behavior to Monitor After Impact
- Signs your vehicle might be damaged
- Importance of finding a safe spot to stop
- H3: Checklist for Tyre Inspection
- How to spot tyre bulges or deformities
- When to call a professional for inspection
H2: Handling Potholes During Your Driving Test
- H3: What to Do If You Hit a Pothole During the Test
- How to communicate with the examiner
- Safe procedures for stopping and inspecting your car
H2: Why Pothole Awareness Should Be Part of Driver Training
- H3: Calls for Including Pothole Awareness in the Highway Code
- The role of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- Recommended guidelines for pothole navigation in driving tests
H2: Conclusion
- Recap of the importance of pothole awareness
- How better guidance can prevent accidents
H2: FAQs
- What kind of damage can a pothole cause to a car?
- How do I properly inspect my tyres after hitting a pothole?
- Is it safe to drive on a slightly deformed tyre?
- What should I do if I hit a pothole during a driving test?
- Can I claim damages if a pothole ruins my tyre?
Potholes: Why Learners Need More Guidance to Avoid Catastrophe
Introduction
Potholes are a common hazard on roads, and they often catch drivers off-guard. For learner drivers, the challenge is even more significant. A recent survey by RED Driving School shows that nearly two-thirds of learners worry about encountering potholes on the road, with 64% saying they encounter them on their driving test routes. Despite this, nearly half of the learners fail to perform essential vehicle checks after hitting a pothole, putting themselves at risk.
This article explores the dangers of potholes, highlights gaps in learner knowledge, and offers practical tips for avoiding damage and ensuring safety.
Understanding the Impact of Potholes
What Happens When You Hit a Pothole?
When a vehicle hits a pothole, several things can go wrong. The tyres can suffer from sidewall damage, leading to air pressure loss, and the suspension system can be jarred, making it harder to maintain control. If not addressed, even a small impact can escalate into more serious mechanical issues, like wheel misalignment or a burst tyre.
Survey Insights: Learners’ Unawareness About Potholes
Lack of Vehicle Checks After Impact
The survey results are concerning: 44% of learner drivers admit they wouldn’t stop to inspect their car immediately after hitting a pothole. Instead, 32% would wait until they reached their destination, and 4% would not check at all. Ignoring this step can be dangerous, as unnoticed tyre damage can worsen over time.
Dangers of Driving Through Potholes Without Proper Precautions
Immediate and Delayed Tyre Pressure Loss
A tyre might lose pressure right after hitting a pothole, compromising the vehicle’s handling. In other cases, the pressure loss might be gradual, which is equally dangerous since the driver may not notice the issue until it’s too late. Driving with under-inflated tyres increases the risk of accidents due to reduced traction.
The Importance of Tyre Knowledge for Learners
Survey Results on Learner Knowledge of Tyre Checks
The survey reveals a troubling lack of tyre-related knowledge among learners. An alarming 66% of learners have never checked their tyre pressure, and 26% admit they don’t know how to do it. Proper guidance is essential to equip new drivers with the knowledge needed to maintain their vehicles.
Strategies to Minimize Damage from Potholes
Correct Braking Techniques Before a Pothole
Applying the brakes as you approach a pothole is smart, but releasing them before hitting it is crucial. Heavy braking increases the forward pressure on the suspension, making the impact more severe.
Keeping Control and Steering Tips
It’s essential to keep the steering wheel steady when approaching a pothole. Swerving to avoid it could lead to a more dangerous situation, such as veering into oncoming traffic. Entering the pothole at an angle can also increase the risk of tyre damage.
What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Pothole
Vehicle Behavior to Monitor After Impact
After hitting a pothole, pay attention to how your car behaves. Does it pull to one side? Is there unusual vibration or noise? If anything seems off, find a safe place to pull over and inspect the tyres.
Checklist for Tyre Inspection
Look for visible signs of damage like bulges or deep cuts. If a tyre appears deformed, it’s not safe to continue driving. Replace it with a spare or call for professional assistance.
Handling Potholes During Your Driving Test
What to Do If You Hit a Pothole During the Test
If you hit a pothole during a driving test, stay calm. Find a safe place to stop and let the examiner know you need to check the vehicle. Depending on the outcome, the examiner may decide to continue the test or end it for safety reasons.
Why Pothole Awareness Should Be Part of Driver Training
Pothole awareness needs to be included in the Highway Code and tested in driving exams. Teaching learners how to navigate potholes and perform tyre checks would help ensure they are better prepared for real-world driving challenges.
Conclusion
Potholes are a serious hazard, especially for learner drivers. Proper education and guidance can prevent accidents and vehicle damage. By teaching learners how to recognize and respond to pothole-related issues, we can ensure safer roads for everyone.
FAQs
- What kind of damage can a pothole cause to a car?
A pothole can cause tyre punctures, wheel alignment issues, and suspension damage. - How do I properly inspect my tyres after hitting a pothole?
Look for bulges, cuts, or deformations in the tyre and check for pressure loss. - Is it safe to drive on a slightly deformed tyre?
No, it’s best to replace a deformed tyre immediately to avoid further risks. - What should I do if I hit a pothole during a driving test?
Inform the examiner, stop safely, and inspect the vehicle before deciding whether to continue. - Can I claim damages if a pothole ruins my tyre?
Yes, in some cases, you can file a claim with local authorities for damages caused by potholes.Main image by pinterest
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