Potholes, a vehicles worst enemy. Suspension misalignment, loose steering, deflated tyres – the list goes on, but vehicles aren’t actually the only thing they can cause damage to; they can actually lead to damage of the environment. This is one of the many reasons why having a potholes repaired as soon as they occur is so important.
Right now, you’re probably wondering, ‘What, how?’ as environmental harm isn’t something that usually comes to mind when potholes are mentioned. That’s exactly why we’ve written this article, which dives into the details to give you a clear overview of the damage they can cause if not reinstated quickly.
Increases Vehicle Emissions
Vehicles tend to run more smoothly when they’re given smooth, reliable roads to drive on. Engines operate more efficiently, traffic can pass by seamlessly, and motorists can control their vehicles properly. Potholes make drivers swerve, decelerate and accelerate, and even swerve or hit the brakes without warning. This can increase emissions, especially when multiplied over many cars that use the road over the course of a month.
Road Safety Risks
As they can cause drivers to take sudden action such as to break or swerve, they increase the risk of road traffic accidents occurring. This can lead to fires, scattered debris, and damage to surrounding wildlife, all of which take a toll on the environment.
Increases Repair Costs
Although they start off small, they tend to grow as vehicles churn up the hole and break away pieces of the road surface. This can lead to a larger issue, causing the need for longer, industrial recuperative efforts. It’s good to save your resources by fixing the problem as quickly. The longer a road functions well, the less it has to be repaired and replaced, which itself has an environmental impact.
Disrupts Water Drainage
When potholes are left unattended, they can affect the natural drainage and runoff solutions implemented by private and public infrastructure, causing water pooling, ground soaking and more. If you live in a wet area, this can cause real issues. Sometimes, this pooled water can cause flooding or soil erosion, both of which can impact your natural environment.
Discourages Cycling
Cyclists tend to dislike riding on unreliable roads as it’s a safety risk. This means those who usually bike to work might decide to drive instead for safety’s sake, and of course, more cars on the road leads to more emissions.
Encourages Detours
In the case where the route would usually be a shortcut, drivers may decide to take the longer route to avoid the risk of damaging their vehicle. This causes people to drive more miles, causing a greater impact on the environment. While it may not seem like a significant impact for one driver to take a detour, the emissions soon add up when all the usual road users begin taking the longer route. What may seem like a minor inconvenience can be deeply affecting in various ways.
Here To Help With Pothole Repair
As specialist surfacing contractors with depots in both Peterborough and Romford, we can assist you with all your surfacing needs, from complete resurfacing to repairs, wherever you may be in the UK. For pothole repairs, our fast and effective service is here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
