New research from Autoglass® has found that 44% of drivers in the UK who have found a chip or a crack in their windscreen in the past 12 months believe potholes are to blame.

Autoglass® found that a third of UK drivers (33%) have had windscreen damage in the past year. In addition to those blaming potholes, 35% of drivers blamed loose stones or debris on the road and 20% of drivers said damage was caused by bad weather, such as hailstones, flying branches or other debris in high winds.

In the aftermath of the last storm to hit the UK in early March, Autoglass® saw a 25% increase in bookings nationwide, with bookings rising by 137% in Sheffield, 95% in Derby and 61% in Doncaster.

Autoglass® also discovered what drivers would do if they had a chip on their windscreen. The results showed that only 27% would contact a glass repair company directly, while 29% of UK drivers would contact their car insurance company.

Alarmingly, three per cent of people would not get a chip repaired despite the fact that it could crack at any time meaning a more costly windscreen replacement rather than a simple and low-cost chip repair and five per cent do not know whom they would contact.

Ed Colley, head of marketing, Autoglass®, said: “The state of the UK roads is clearly having a damaging effect on cars across the UK, and storms and bad weather are increasing the danger of both chips and potholes. Chips and cracks can be caused by loose gravel within or the impact of driving over a pothole, and if safe to do so, drivers should avoid them, especially if there is an existing chip in their windscreen.

“As drivers look to rectify any chip or crack on their windscreen, they should make direct contact with a glass repair company who will manage their insurance claim and look to get them back on the road in a safe vehicle as quickly as possible.”