Skip to main content
South African E-Hailing Association emblemSAEHA
Johannesburg city street with traffic lights and vehicles
Back to ResourcesDriver Safety

Safe Driving Around Potholes

How to reduce tyre, wheel, suspension, and safety risks when driving on pothole-damaged roads.

5 min read

Quick answer

How to reduce tyre, wheel, suspension, and safety risks when driving on pothole-damaged roads.

Avoid sudden swerving

A sudden swerve around a pothole can cause a collision. Check mirrors, reduce speed smoothly, and avoid sharp movements when traffic is nearby.

Slow down before impact

If you cannot avoid a pothole safely, slow down before reaching it. Heavy braking inside the pothole can increase impact forces.

Check for damage afterwards

After a hard hit, check tyres, rims, steering alignment, vibration, and warning lights. A bulge or cut in the tyre sidewall needs urgent attention.

Report repeated hazards

Professional drivers often know recurring road hazards. Share safety concerns with relevant channels and warn other drivers where appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What damage can potholes cause?

Potholes can damage tyres, rims, suspension, steering alignment, and underbody components.

Should I stop after hitting a pothole?

Stop safely if you feel vibration, steering pull, tyre pressure loss, or hear unusual noises.

Need driver support?

Guides help you prepare, but a real roadside or driver support concern deserves direct follow-up. Contact SAEHA if you need help with membership, a safety incident, a breakdown, or an e-hailing support matter.