National Pothole Day: A Call to Action on South Africa’s Roads
National Pothole Day, observed on January 15, shines a much-needed spotlight on one of South Africa’s most persistent driving challenges. With an estimated 25 million potholes scattered across the country, navigating these road hazards has become an unfortunate routine for many motorists. These craters in the road not only induce frustration but also pose a significant risk to vehicles, often resulting in costly repairs to tyres, wheels, and suspensions.
According to Dean Horn, Managing Director of Super Tyres, raising awareness and being prepared is crucial. "Safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way in reducing damage and keeping motorists safe," he explains, underscoring the importance of vigilance on the roads.
Reduce the Risk While Driving
Staying alert while driving offers the first line of defense against pothole damage. Here are some key pointers for safer navigation:
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Slow Down: When approaching a pothole, decrease your speed. This enables your vehicle’s suspension to absorb the impact more effectively. Avoid sudden braking as you hit a pothole.
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Grip the Wheel: Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to ensure better control during difficult conditions.
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Avoid Abrupt Swerving: Changing lanes suddenly can heighten the risk of accidents. If possible, it’s often safer to drive over a smaller pothole than to swerve into another lane.
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Keep an Eye on the Road: Look well ahead to spot potential hazards early. Maintaining a safe following distance allows for better visibility and reaction time.
- Extra Caution in Wet Conditions: Rain can create puddles that obscure deeper potholes, making it crucial to be particularly vigilant during inclement weather.
Vehicle Maintenance and Preparation
Well-maintained vehicles are better equipped to handle unpredictable road conditions. Here’s how to ensure your car is up to the challenge:
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Check Tyre Pressure: Regularly inspect your tyre pressure to ensure it adheres to manufacturer specifications. Correctly inflated tyres provide better impact protection.
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Frequent Inspections: Regularly inspect your tyres and schedule tyre rotations to catch any hidden damage early.
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Rotate Your Tyres: Aim to rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres to promote even wear, ultimately reducing vulnerability to potholes.
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Check Wheel Alignment: If you encounter a large pothole, check your wheel alignment. Misalignment can negatively affect handling and shorten tyre lifespan.
- Invest in Quality Tyres: While high-quality tyres, especially those with reinforced sidewalls, may come with a higher price tag, they can save you money on repairs in the long run.
Responding After Hitting a Pothole
If you suspect that your vehicle has been damaged after hitting a pothole, swift action is essential:
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Pull Over Safely: If you notice vibrations, pulling to one side, or unusual noises, find a safe spot to pull over.
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Conduct a Visual Inspection: Check your tyres, rims, and the undercarriage for visible damage.
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Report the Pothole: Notify the relevant authorities, such as your local municipality or SANRAL for national roads, while noting the exact location.
- Document for Insurance Claims: Take photographs and keep repair receipts handy if you plan to submit an insurance claim.
Super Tyres Pothole Repair Initiative
Super Tyres is actively working to improve road safety through its Pothole Repair initiative. This project focuses on fixing smaller potholes in residential areas where repairs can make an immediate impact.
“Our Asibambisane (Let’s carry each other) initiative is about supporting the communities we serve,” explains Dean Horn. “While we cannot repair every pothole, we are committed to doing what we can, where we can, as a voluntary service.”
Community members can contribute by reporting potholes with a location pin and a photo via WhatsApp to 064 859 9180. Each submission is evaluated to determine if it qualifies for repair. Once approved, potholes will be listed on the Super Tyres website, where the public can vote to prioritize repairs. Upon completion, repaired potholes are duly marked on the site.
As Super Tyres marks 55 years in the business, Dean Horn reflects on the company’s commitment: “Our focus has always been about more than tyres. It’s about keeping families safe on the road and supporting the communities we serve. Safer roads benefit everyone, and we believe meaningful change happens when businesses and communities work together.”
