DRIVEN POTTY
I’m Britain’s first driving instructor to specialise in potholes – here are my top tips on how to avoid them
Matthew reveals what you should do if you think you've hit a pothole
THEY are the road menace that drives us all potty – now a driving instructor has become the first to specialise in how to avoid potholes.
Matthew Worthington, 35, offers “pothole avoidance lessons” after his students became anxious when trying to navigate them.
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His action was also prompted by the Tarmac traps ripping four of his tyres to shreds — costing him more than £400 in replacements and lost lessons.
Glasgow-based Matthew said: “In the past six months or so the roads have been getting extra bad.
";Students are really nervous. Some want to avoid areas because of the potholes.
“People were swerving around them without any thought of safety so I had to do something.”
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Matthew reveals his top tips to avoid going to pot . . .
PLAY IT SAFE: It is always best to avoid a pothole — but it’s not always safe to do so.
If you have to go through a hole hit it head on, remaining calm.
If you strike the hole from the side it can cause a pinch on the sidewall of your tyre which can cause a structural deformity or a bubble.
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If this happens you’re going to have to replace your tyre.
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CHECK YOUR MIRRORS: Before attempting to manoeuvre around a pothole make sure to do all your safety checks and slow down.
It’s important not to swerve at the last minute, even though this may be your natural reaction to avoid inflicting damage on your car. It can be dangerous — even deadly — if you veer into another lane.
GOOD TYRE HEALTH: Keep your tyres inflated to the correct level.
Most have a recommended PSI of between 31 and 35 but vehicles vary so check with your handbook. Properly inflated tyres can help absorb the shock of hitting a pothole and reduce any damage to your car.
SLOW DOWN: If you’re driving at a sensible speed and keep your distance from the car in front you are more likely to see a pothole.
This will give you more reaction time and allow you to slow down.
Driving over a pothole at a slower speed is easier on tyres and suspension too.
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DODGE PUDDLES: Where it is possible and safe, drive around puddles because there could be holes hidden beneath patches of water.
This road damage is often caused by water that seeps through cracks, so there’s a significant chance you will find craters lurking underneath.
HANDS ON THE WHEEL: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to remain in control of the car.
The dip in the road can cause your vehicle to change direction suddenly, which may be dangerous for yourself and can also be a hazard to other road users.
INSPECT THE DAMAGE: If you think you have hit a pothole, check your tyre afterwards.
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Pull over in a safe place and use a gloved hand to feel for any punctures or bulges.
If you notice any of these issues, take your car to a professional to get it checked out as soon as possible. Quickly solving problems can reduce potential repair costs.
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