Driving on Country Roads
To raise awareness of the dangers of country roads, THINK! have partnered with a local farmer to turn potential hazards into helpful hazards.
Facts
– 60% of all fatalities occur on country roads
– Three people die each day on average on these type of roads
– The number of people killed on these roads is nearly 10 times higher than on motorways
– In 2014, 10,091 people were killed or seriously injured on country roads
Law
You must not drive faster than the speed limit for the type of road and your type of vehicle. The speed limit is the absolute maximum and it doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.
Driving Advice
– Never try to speed down a country lane. Remaining within the speed limit will help immensely in the case of an accident – remember
that a pedestrian is four mes more likely to die if you hit them at 40mph rather than 30mph.
– Ensure your lights are working and set up correctly if you are driving in the dark. Dip your headlights so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
– Always take a mobile phone with you when driving on country roads, as in the case of an emergency there will likely be no other
phones available.
– Practice patience with other drivers, particularly large and slow vehicles. Do not get impatient and attempt to circle round them blindly.
– Pass cyclists, motorcyclists and horses as wide and slowly as you can, and with horses ensure you do not rev your engine or blow your horn as this could cause the animal to panic.
– Slow down before you reach bends and take them wide and steady.