Potholes 'causing driving headache'
1st July 2010
More than half of motorists have admitted to spending more time looking out for potholes in the road than paying attention to other road users, a survey has revealed.
The study found drivers have to negotiate an average of 13 potholes on their standard daily route and 62% are more interested in avoiding them than watching the road ahead.
In addition, more than a quarter (27%) of motorists have to contend with 20 potholes or more on each journey, a survey by Autoglass found.
The poll of 3,000 drivers found 80% were worried about having a pothole-related crash and 45% actually had an accident or a near miss because of a pothole.
Nearly all (98%) said they would welcome either a clear temporary road sign warning or fluorescent markings around bad potholes.
The survey also showed that 39% have experienced suspension problems caused by potholes, while 35% have had a burst tyre, 20% have had windscreens chipped by kicked-up stones and 17% have had paintwork damaged.
An average of £220 a year per motorist is being paid on pothole-related car repairs - making a total of around £3.7 billion - and this doesn't include the inconvenience of breakdowns after tyre blow-outs or serious suspension damage. Those without adequate breakdown cover could be left completely high and dry - just as a result of poor road surfaces.
As many as 45% of those surveyed were concerned that not more was being done about potholes, with 31% saying the problem was going to get worse.
Autoglass managing director Nigel Doggett said: "It's incredible and very alarming that so many drivers have had an accident or experienced vehicle damage as a result of the treacherous driving conditions."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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