How Can You Stay Safe When Driving on a Poor-Quality Road? X Things to Know About Potholes and Other Road Defects
Poor-quality roads seem to be everywhere! So, be prepared for potholes and other road defects to ensure your car’s safety and – more importantly – your own safety.
Here are five things you should know about road defects to make certain you stay safe.
1. You Need to Learn How to Spot Potholes
Potholes and other road defects could lead to traffic accidents, which is why it is so important that you learn how to drive safely on poor-quality roads that are riddled with these potential hazards. Though remember if you are injured due to a road defect, you may be able to pursue compensation.
Even if a pothole doesn’t cause an accident, hitting potholes can lead to bent wheels, blown tires, and wrecked suspension systems. Worse? A harsh impact could mess with your car’s alignment or munch on your undercarriage.
Here’s the deal – staying sharp-eyed for those sneaky craters can save your tires from an early retirement. Spotting them early is key, so always keep your peepers peeled for patchy spots on the road surface ahead, especially after nasty weather or in areas where maintenance seems like a forgotten art.
Slowing down when you spot one can mean the difference between arriving whole or hosting a tire funeral later on.
2. You Need to Learn the Art of Pothole Dodging
Alright, so you’ve spotted a pothole in the wild – great job! Now, don’t just freeze up like a deer in headlights. If traffic and road conditions permit, give that pothole the ol’ razzle-dazzle with some smooth steering. But hey, no jerky movements; keep it cool and collected.
Gently steer around the obstacle if you can do so safely without veering into another lane or off-road. Your suspension will thank you.
Also, remember to keep enough distance from the car ahead because tailgating cuts down on your reaction time and visibility. That way, when potholes pop up out of nowhere, you’re ready to glide past them like a pro skater dodging street clutter.
3. Asphalt Can Crack
Now, let’s switch gears and discuss another road gremlin – the subtle yet treacherous crack. Over time, asphalt cracks can grow into gaping canyons that mess with your vehicle’s stability. They’re like potholes’ sneaky little siblings.
Keep an eagle eye out for them; they’re easier to spot when the sun is low and shadows get long.
And here’s a pro tip: maintaining correct tire pressure gives you a buffer against these mini-ravines, as well-outfitted tires absorb shocks better.
But remember – don’t overreact if you can’t avoid them; a firm grip and steady steering beats swerving wildly any day of the week.
4. You Need to Know How to Navigate Uneven Surfaces
Ever driven on a road that feels like a rollercoaster? Not the thrills you want. They’re called ripples or wash-boarding, common on gravel roads but also popping up on neglected asphalt.
These undulations can make your vehicle shimmy and shake uncontrollably if you hit them too fast.
So, here’s what to do: ease off the gas pedal to reduce speed before your ride turns into a bucking bronco. Keep a firm yet relaxed grip on the wheel because white-knuckling can actually amplify the vibrations through your arms.
5. You Need to Know About Expansion Joints and Bridge Gaps
Lastly, here’s the skinny on another road quirk: expansion joints and gaps, especially noticeable on bridges or overpasses. These guys let structures flex with temperature changes – but hit them wrong and it’s like a mini launch ramp for your car.
To navigate these safely, check your speed – no need to go all Fast & Furious over them. Keep your wheels straight to prevent any side-to-side jolts.