Pothole Havoc Hits UK Roads! New RAC data reveals a shocking 23% surge in breakdowns caused by potholes in the last quarter of 2022. With winter’s freeze-thaw cycle wreaking havoc, drivers were forced to brave more damaged wheels, suspension fails, and shock absorber woes than ever before.
Breakdowns Soar as Potholes Worsen
Between October and December 2022, RAC patrols faced an average of 20 pothole-related breakdowns daily—totaling over 1,800 cases. That’s a hefty jump from just 16 a day in the previous quarter. In fact, it’s the highest fourth-quarter toll since 2019.
Freezing temperatures followed by thawing rain have created perfect pothole conditions. Water seeps into road cracks, freezes, expands, and shatters surfaces — paving the way for more road damage.
Drivers Dodge Danger on Every Journey
- 86% of drivers actively swerve to avoid potholes
- 90% of rural drivers face the menace, with 81% urban drivers in the same boat
- 55% slam local pothole repairs as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’
This data, from RAC’s latest Report on Motoring, spells trouble for everyday drivers and highlights growing frustrations over patchy fixes.
RAC Calls for Action: “It’s More Than Just Annoying”
“The wet weather combined with the coldest December start in over a decade has set the stage for a pothole invasion,” warns Nicholas Lyes, RAC’s head of road policy. “By spring, drivers will face a barrage of battered roads, costly repairs, and dangerous journeys – particularly for bikers who risk serious injury.”
Lyes blasted cash-starved councils for slapdash repairs that disappear as fast as they appear. He urged the government to finally tackle Britain’s roads seriously, noting:
“The state of our roads drives frustration among drivers and is critical to business delivery. Councils need more funding to fix roads properly. Let’s hope 2023 is the year the government steps up to end this perennial pothole nightmare.”
With the cost of living crisis biting hard, the last thing anyone needs is a jaw-dropping garage bill from smashing through another dreadful pothole. Watch this space for talk of government pothole action – because drivers can’t dodge this problem forever.
