Scotland 'prioritises rural road safety'

Date: 28/9/2010

Road safety officials in Scotland have launched a campaign to tackle the disproportionate number of car accidents on rural roads.

The Glasgow Evening Times reported many drivers believe country routes to be low risk because they have less traffic, according to research conducted by the West of Scotland Road Safety Forum and Road Safety Scotland.

But Councillor Betty Cunningham, Chairwoman of the forum, said 75 per cent of vehicle deaths in Scotland occur on rural roads.

"Addressing this issue is a high priority for the forum and the Scottish Government," she added.

The initiative aims to remind motorists to look out for hazards by using radio advertisements to target those who are on country roads.

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, stated there are a number of "unexpected risks" on this type of road, such as "slow-moving vehicles, animals, hidden junctions and cyclists".

Motorists were also recently advised to look out for deer while driving, as the Highways Agency and The Deer Initiative stated autumn and spring are the periods when the number of collisions with the animals is highest.

Posted by Sarah Bailey