The UK’s Pothole Problem: A Real Danger for Safety and Business

One moment you are driving smoothly, the next a violent jolt rattles your vehicle. For cyclists and motorcyclists, that same pothole can mean a crash, and for businesses, it can mean a vehicle out of action, missed deliveries, and rising costs.

Potholes are no longer just a nuisance. They are a growing safety hazard and a major financial risk for UK businesses.

The RAC recorded nearly 25,000 pothole-related breakdowns in the past year, about 68 a day (RAC). Allianz says 1 in 5 pothole claims ends with the vehicle being written off (Allianz).

Pothole Safety Risks

• Cyclists: A survey found 21% of cyclists had accidents due to potholes, with many leading to injury (Cycle SOS, 2022). If a cyclist falls, the bigger danger is being struck by passing traffic. In 2024, 66-year-old Andrew Leach broke his hip after hitting a pothole and lying in the road for 90 minutes before help arrived (The Guardian, 2024).

• Motorcyclists: A rider in Scotland was thrown from his bike and rolled nearly 20 times after hitting a pothole, suffering multiple fractures (Scottish Sun, 2016).

• Drivers: Sudden tyre blowouts or suspension failures at speed can cause loss of control and collisions.

Potholes are not just damaging wheels, they are putting lives at risk.

Pothole Costs for Businesses

For hauliers, couriers, and SMEs, a single incident can bring operations to a halt:

• Average pothole claim: £4,000 (allianz).

• Admiral reports a 62% increase in pothole claims in the last two years (admiral).

• The CEBR estimates potholes cost the UK economy £14.4 billion annually in damage and lost productivity (CEBR).

For a courier or fleet manager, one van off the road can mean missed deliveries, unhappy customers, and loss of income.

Driving Guide: Minimising Pothole Damage

While you cannot avoid every pothole, careful driving can reduce the risk:

• Slow before, not during: Reduce speed ahead of the pothole. Braking while hitting it increases damage.

• Keep tyres inflated: Correct tyre pressure helps absorb shocks.

• Steer carefully: Do not swerve suddenly into another lane or onto a verge. Hold the wheel firmly and pass over at a safe angle.

• Check vehicles regularly: Fleet checks for suspension, tyres, and wheels catch problems early.

• Train drivers: Defensive and advanced driving courses (e.g. IAM RoadSmart) improve hazard anticipation and smoother handling on poor roads.

Some driving instructors now even include pothole awareness in lessons, showing just how widespread the issue has become.

Reporting and Prevention

Yes, businesses can play a role:

• Report potholes: Use the official GOV.UK service, call National Highways (0300 123 5000), or your council hotline. Some councils let you upload photos.

• Technology: Apps like Stan use AI to log potholes via dashcam footage (The Times, 2024). Councils are also trialling stronger repair materials and predictive maintenance.

Reporting helps. If councils know about a defect and fail to act, your claim against them is stronger.

Insurance Protection Against Potholes

At Ratcliffes Insurance Brokers, we help businesses prepare for the risks potholes bring:

• Motor Fleet Insurance: Covering multiple vehicles with repair or replacement support.

• Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Tailored protection for vans and lorries.

• Expert Claims Support: Guidance and fast action to minimise downtime.

Keep Your People and Business Safe

Potholes are not going away soon. But you can limit their impact. By reporting problems, training drivers, and having the right insurance in place, you keep your people safe, your vehicles protected, and your business moving.

👉 Talk to Ratcliffes Insurance Brokers today about protecting your business from the real dangers of potholes.