Bumpy rides as drives face average of 13 potholes

MOTORISTS are having to negotiate an average of 13 potholes on their standard daily route, according to a new study.

As many as 27 per cent of drivers come across 20 potholes on each journey, a survey by the Autoglass company found.

And 62 per cent admit to spending more time watching out for ruts than keeping their eyes on the road ahead.

The poll of 3,000 drivers found 80 per cent were worried about having a pothole-caused crash and 45 per cent actually had an accident or a near miss because of a pothole.

Nearly all (98 per cent) said they would welcome either a clear temporary road sign warning or fluorescent markings around bad potholes.

The survey also showed that 39 per cent have experienced suspension problems caused by potholes, while 35 per cent have had a burst tyre, 20 per cent have had windscreens chipped by kicked-up stones and 17 per cent have had paintwork damaged.

An average 220 per motorist is being paid on pothole-related car repairs - making a total of around 3.7 billion a year.

As many as 45 per cent of those surveyed were concerned that not more was being done about potholes, with 31 per cent reckoning the problem was going to get worse.