It is becoming a more and more common sight for recovery operators and roadside assistance crews. A car incapacitated at the side of the road, struck down not by an accident with another vehicle or a mechanical failure, but simply by a pothole.

The harsh winter has seen deterioration in road surfaces all over Ireland and many of the emerging holes are big enough to cause serious damage. A survey by the AA of some 7,000 motorists shows that just under a quarter of drivers have hit a pothole with enough force to warrant a call for roadside assistance or recovery, or caused damage needing a garage repair.
 
The most common problems caused by the holes are to tyres or tracking. However, there is a rising tide of reports of more serious damage to ESC stability control systems, track-rods and other suspension components. This can often set the motorist back over €1,500, while one unfortunate driver found his car needed a €10,000 front axle replacement.

It seems the problem will not be going away quickly, as most local authorities have only limited funds for repair and less than a quarter of drivers actually report the pothole that has caused the damage.