A recent survey conducted by roadside assistance and insurance company, the RAC, has revealed that more drivers than ever are concerned about the state of roads and the impact it has on their driving experience. The survey, which polled 2,691 motorists who drive at least once a month, found that 56% of respondents identified the condition and maintenance of roads as one of their top concerns.
This marks a significant increase from the previous year, where only 49% of drivers expressed concern about road conditions. Potholes were identified as the top issue, with 35% of respondents citing the high cost of car insurance as the second-highest concern, followed by the cost of fuel at 32%.
The survey also revealed that the majority of drivers (73%) believe that the condition of roads they use regularly has worsened compared to a year ago. This figure was even higher for drivers in rural areas, with 81% reporting a decline in road quality. Only 6% of drivers overall reported an improvement in local road surfaces this year.
The consequences of poor road conditions were also highlighted in the survey, with 27% of drivers reporting damage to their vehicle caused by potholes in the last 12 months. This number was even higher for drivers in rural areas. The most common issues included wheel damage and broken suspension springs, which can be expensive to fix. The RAC estimates that the average cost of repairing a family car due to pothole damage can range up to £460.
The data also showed that there were 25,085 pothole-related breakdowns in the 12 months leading up to June, as reported by the number of breakdown patrols dispatched. Respondents also expressed concerns about other road quality issues such as poor drainage, lack of adequate run-off in wet weather, faded road markings, and poor signage visibility.
The RAC emphasizes that these concerns are not to be taken lightly, as they can have a significant impact on drivers’ safety and finances. The survey’s findings were weighted to be nationally representative of all UK motorists, highlighting the widespread nature of these concerns.
