National Pothole Day highlights South Africa’s road hazard crisis

As South Africans gear up for National Pothole Day on January 15, the spotlight turns to one of the country’s most formidable driving hurdles. With an estimated 25 million potholes existing across the nation, the constant threat of encountering these road hazards has become a ubiquitous aspect of daily life for many motorists. While the frustration of dodging potholes is palpable, the potential cost of damages to vehicles can be significant, encompassing repairs to tyres, wheels, and suspension systems.

Dean Horn, Managing Director of Super Tyres, underscores the importance of awareness and preparation for vehicles on the road: “Safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way in reducing damage and keeping motorists safe,” he says. His insights emphasise the need for drivers to adopt more conscientious approaches to driving in the face of persistent road conditions.

Reduce the Risk While Driving

To mitigate the risks associated with potholes, motorists can adopt several essential driving techniques:

• Stay alert and scan the road ahead, allowing for early identification of potholes.
• Slow down as you approach a pothole to give your vehicle’s suspension time to absorb the impact more effectively.
• Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to ensure stability during any necessary evasive manoeuvres.
• Avoid sudden braking or swerving into adjacent lanes, as these actions can elevate the risk of accidents. Driving over a smaller pothole is often the safer choice.
• Exercise caution during wet weather. Puddles can conceal deep potholes, making them hard to spot.

Vehicle Maintenance and Preparation

A well-maintained vehicle is better equipped to handle unpredictable road conditions. Here are some tips for ensuring your car can withstand the pothole menace:

• Regularly check tyre pressure and ensure it meets manufacturer specifications to provide better impact protection.
• Frequently inspect tyres and arrange for regular rotations to catch hidden damage early on. Rotating every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres can enhance tyre longevity.
• If you hit a large pothole, check your wheel alignment, since misalignment can compromise handling and shorten tyre lifespan.
• Invest in quality tyres, especially those with reinforced sidewalls, as they can save money on repairs in the long run.

“Quality tyres are not just about performance, they are about safety,” says Horn. “Investing wisely can prevent costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.”

What to Do after Hitting a Pothole

If you suspect damage to your vehicle after hitting a pothole, it’s crucial to act promptly:

• Safely pull over to assess your vehicle if you notice vibrations or hear unusual noises.
• Visually inspect the tyres, rims, and undercarriage for visible damage.
• Report the pothole to your local municipality, or SANRAL for national roads, providing the exact location.
• Document the damage with photographs and keep repair receipts if you plan to contribute to an insurance claim.

Super Tyres Pothole Repair Initiative

In response to this epidemic, Super Tyres has initiated a practical project aimed at improving road safety through their Pothole Repair initiative. This project targets smaller potholes in low-traffic residential areas, focusing on repairs that yield immediate benefits.

“Our Asibambisane (Let’s carry each other) initiative is about supporting the communities we serve,” explains Horn. “While we cannot repair every pothole, we are committed to doing what we can, where we can, as a voluntary service.”

People are encouraged to report potholes by submitting a location pin and photo via WhatsApp to 064 859 9180. Submitted potholes are assessed for repair eligibility, with approved locations listed on the Super Tyres website, where the public can vote on prioritising repairs. Once completed, those repaired potholes are also noted on the site.

“Safer roads benefit everyone, and we believe meaningful change happens when businesses and communities work together,” says Horn.

IOS