Nid-de-pouleNouvelle-Zélande
Règles de circulation
Nouvelle-Zélande
44. Nid-de-poule
Un nid-de-poule est un trou ou un creux dans la chaussée causé par l’usure, les intempéries, l’eau, les charges répétées du trafic ou la détérioration du revêtement. Les nids-de-poule peuvent varier fortement en taille et profondeur et se développer progressivement ou s’aggraver après le gel, de fortes pluies ou le passage répété des véhicules.
Ils peuvent affecter la direction, le freinage et la stabilité du véhicule et endommager les pneus, roues ou éléments de suspension. Les conducteurs et cyclistes doivent observer la route, adapter leur vitesse et éviter les manœuvres brusques ou dangereuses lorsqu’ils rencontrent un revêtement endommagé.
What is a pothole?
A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.
How do potholes form?
Potholes can develop through a combination of water, temperature changes, traffic loads and deterioration of the road material. Cracks can gradually expand until pieces of the surface break away.
Why are potholes dangerous?
A pothole can cause a vehicle to change direction suddenly, lose stability or suffer tyre, wheel or suspension damage. Deep potholes can present a particularly serious hazard at higher speeds.
What should you do when you see a pothole?
Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.
Should you brake while driving through a pothole?
If possible, reduce your speed before reaching the pothole. Sudden heavy braking or steering while passing over a damaged surface can make the vehicle less stable.
Are potholes particularly dangerous for motorcycles?
Yes. A pothole can disturb the steering or balance of a motorcycle and may cause the rider to lose control.
Are potholes dangerous for cyclists?
Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.
Can a pothole damage a car?
Yes. Severe impacts can damage tyres, wheel rims, suspension components, steering parts or wheel alignment.
Should you swerve suddenly to avoid a pothole?
No. A sudden evasive movement may create a greater danger by bringing the vehicle into conflict with cyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic or vehicles in another lane.
Can a warning sign indicate potholes ahead?
Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an uneven-road or general-danger warning sign may be used where poor road conditions create a significant hazard.
