Avoid Potholes Safely—Don’t Panic and Swerve Abruptly

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Road potholes remain a common issue for motorcyclists across various regions.

Many riders instinctively swerve abruptly upon seeing a pothole ahead to avoid collision with their wheels.

However, sudden maneuvers to avoid potholes can be more dangerous than riding through them. The risk of falling or colliding with other vehicles increases if riders do not check their surroundings before swerving.

“Avoiding potholes is permissible for safety, but the danger lies in doing so suddenly or in panic,” Agus told KOMPAS.com on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He noted that a common mistake is riders swerving without checking traffic conditions beside or behind them.

“For instance, swerving immediately without assessing the surrounding area. This is what risks causing accidents,” he said.

Agus explained that before deciding to avoid a pothole, riders should ensure the surroundings are safe. Reduce speed first, then observe other vehicles on the sides and rear.

This step is crucial to prevent collisions with other riders who may not be prepared for sudden direction changes.

However, if the pothole is too close and cannot be safely avoided, Agus advises riders to pass through it slowly while maintaining balance.

“If the pothole is too near and safe avoidance is impossible, it’s better to pass through slowly,” he said.

He also recommended lifting the hips slightly off the seat when passing over potholes to keep the body stable and absorb shocks.

“The key is to stay calm and prioritise safety,” he added.