What is the primary action if your vehicle encounters a pothole?

Answer: B — Steer around it if possible

When a vehicle encounters a pothole, the primary action should be to steer around it if possible. This approach helps to avoid the potential damage a pothole can inflict on the vehicle's tires, suspension system, and alignment. Potholes can create a substantial hazard, and if the pothole can be safely avoided, it minimizes the risk of an accident and expensive repairs. While accelerating through a pothole could lead to a loss of control and further damage, and braking sharply could cause the vehicle to skid or be thrown off balance, maintaining speed or veering slightly without a clear plan can result in a collision with the pothole or surrounding obstacles. Therefore, steering around the pothole when safe to do so is the best practice to ensure both vehicle and driver safety.