Road safety on rural roads

Date: 9/5/2011

Taking the car out for a day in the countryside could be popular during the warmer months, but it is important that motorists focus on road safety when in rural parts of the UK.

According to Chief Examiner at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Peter Rodger, drivers should be prepared to find a horse rider, cyclist or even a herd of cows behind every bend and should ensure they are prepared for such an eventuality.

This means allowing extra time for the journey so that Britons can make sure they do not rush to pass any obstacles - such as tractors and horses - but only overtake when it is safe to do so.

In addition, long grasses and overgrown plants could obscure the view on rural roads, while mud may make them slippery.

Mr Rodger says: "On average, two-thirds of those people killed on UK roads, were driving on rural roads [...] High speed limits, tight bends and unexpected hazards all add to the risk."

He also advises new drivers to spend time practicing their motoring skills in the countryside.

Chief Executive Officer of the IAM Simon Best recently noted that many motorists who have just passed their test further their ability through a process of "trial and error".

Posted by Sarah Bailey