Potholes are a persistent headache for drivers, often resulting in costly repairs to tyres, suspension, and steering systems. According to the RAC, the average cost of pothole-related damage is around £320 per incident, with some repairs exceeding £1,000. With potholes remaining unfilled for an average of up to 209 days in some UK areas, motorists face ongoing risks every time they drive.
Ros, a driving instructor from Cheltenham’s Drive School of Motoring in Gloucestershire, has shared a straightforward technique to help drivers avoid these hazards safely. In a recent YouTube video, she explains how paying attention to your steering wheel alignment can guide you in dodging potholes when conditions permit.
Ros begins by emphasizing safety: “You can only use this if it’s safe to do so. If there are other vehicles or road users nearby, it’s sometimes better to go through the pothole than risk a collision.” This reminder highlights that safety and awareness of surrounding traffic always come first.
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Her method involves mentally dividing the steering wheel into sections. Focus on aligning the pothole with a specific segment—located about a quarter of the way from the steering wheel’s vertical midpoint on the left side—to guide your steering avoidance maneuver. When it is safe and there’s no traffic around, positioning the pothole at this reference point helps steer around it smoothly.
Ros clarifies that this technique is meant to be an additional tool in a driver’s toolkit, not a guaranteed solution every time. Sometimes, slowing down and carefully driving over the pothole is the safest option, especially when other road users are present.
Potholes form when water penetrates road surfaces and freezes, causing cracks to expand. Drivers are encouraged to report potholes to local authorities, though repair times vary widely across the UK—from just a day in some places to over 200 days in others.
By incorporating Ros’s steering wheel method and prioritizing safety, drivers can more effectively avoid potholes and reduce the risk of vehicle damage during the notorious pothole season.