What is the best way to safely navigate a pothole if you cannot avoid it?

The best way to safely navigate a pothole when it cannot be avoided is to brake before your wheels reach the pothole and then release the brake. This technique helps to minimize the impact that your vehicle will experience when it encounters the pothole.

When you brake before hitting the pothole, you slow down, which can reduce the severity of the bump and prevent damage to your vehicle's suspension and tires. Releasing the brake allows your vehicle to roll over the pothole more smoothly instead of thudding into it, which can lead to harsher impacts. This method strikes a balance between maintaining control of the vehicle and protecting it from potential damage due to the pothole's edges and depth.

In contrast, braking directly over the pothole can increase the impact force as your vehicle suddenly decelerates, potentially causing more significant damage. Speeding up to clear the pothole does not minimize the impact and can result in losing control over the vehicle. Steer sharply may shift the weight of the vehicle in a way that could lead to losing control or veering into oncoming traffic or obstacles. Thus, the chosen answer is the safest and most effective approach when faced with a pothole.