Potholes and uneven pavement are not just a nuisance. They change trajectories, affect vehicle stability, and create unexpected situations for those who drive, cycle, or walk.
In large cities, where traffic flow is intense and pavement is affected by constant construction, it is worth having a simple checklist to recognize risks and react better in daily life.
1) Identify critical points in urban pavement
Not every pothole is the same. Some appear suddenly; others are “camouflaged” in the road layout and catch drivers by surprise.
The most common in central areas and traffic corridors:
- Sunken manhole covers or inspection boxes - Asphalt patches with a step between lanes - Depressions near bus stops and traffic lights - Poorly leveled joints after utility works
Anticipating these points helps avoid abrupt maneuvers, which often generate conflicts with motorcycles, bicycles, and buses alongside.
2) Adjust your driving beforehand, not on top of the problem
A large part of the risk arises when the reaction is late. Hard braking or swerving right over the pothole is usually more dangerous than crossing it carefully.
Good practices in urban traffic:
- Reduce speed when approaching areas known for poor pavement - Keep a greater distance from the vehicle ahead to see the road surface - Avoid quick lane changes to “escape” the uneven spot - On rainy days, treat puddles as potential potholes
On busy avenues, predictability is a safety factor as important as speed.
Extra caution at night and on poorly lit roads
Public lighting directly influences how the pavement is perceived. Where light is weak or irregular, uneven spots become invisible until the last moment.
In these stretches, it is worth reducing speed even more and avoiding reliance solely on high beams, which can flatten depth perception.
3) Consider who shares the road with you
Potholes do not affect only cars. For motorcycles and bicycles, small uneven spots can cause loss of control. For buses, the impact is multiplied by weight and standing passengers.
When noticing a degraded stretch:
- Avoid cutting off motorcycles that are seeking the smoothest part of the lane - Respect the lateral space of cyclists, who tend to deviate from potholes - Expect slower movements from buses when leaving a stop
This collective reading of the road reduces scares and minor collisions, very common on poor pavement.
The role of infrastructure in reducing risks
Preventive maintenance, proper leveling of covers, and oversight of construction make a direct difference in road safety. Where repairs are quick and well executed, traffic behavior tends to be more stable.
Until this happens consistently, driving with attention to the pavement and surroundings remains an essential skill for urban mobility in large cities.
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