‘Does someone have to die before the potholes are filled in?: Mum’s frustration as son ‘lucky to be alive’ following car accident in Northampton

A mum has been left frustrated and angry after her son was told he is ‘lucky to be alive’ after his car hit a pothole in Northampton

The 24-year-old driver, who does not wish to be named, was travelling on St Leonard’s Road in Far Cotton just after midnight on Saturday morning (May 1).

His mum claims her son's Ford Focus hit a pothole in the road, a tyre burst and the vehicle rolled three times, landing on its roof.

Although he is still badly shaken and scared to get behind the wheel again, the driver did not have any lasting physical injuries.

Now his mum is speaking out about the condition of the road surface in a bid to inflict change on how potholes are dealt with by West Northamptonshire Council.

The driver’s mum told Chronicle & Echo: “I was told at the scene by a police officer that my son was lucky to be alive.

“He had to drag himself out of the car window because the car could’ve gone up in flames. The car is a complete write off after it rolled several times.

“He now can’t sleep and says he can feel himself rolling over and over.

“It could have been a lot worse and then it would’ve been a different story, which is every parent’s worst nightmare, but I would like something done about it because it is not acceptable.”

The mum claims there were not any skid marks on the road to suggest high speeds, but rather a burst tyre and a car that has now been written off. She is also starting the process to claim compensation from the council, on behalf of her son.

The frustrated mum added: “I pay my taxes, my son pays his taxes and there shouldn’t be dangerous potholes like these around.

“It also shouldn’t be our job to have to report these potholes.

“Something needs to be done and it needs to be done properly.

“I thought the council would fill the hole the next day, but they didn’t.

“How many more people have to have an accident before they fill the holes? Has someone got to die before something is done?”

West Northamptonshire Council were contacted for comment on the incident and the issues of potholes, however a statement was not received more than 24 hours after the request was submitted.

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