Driving on country roads
Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he is advising on tackling rural roads.
Summer sees more vulnerable road users out such as horse riders, cyclists and walkers. If you see them, pass wide and slow, and if this means hanging well back until you can overtake gently, do it.
Horse box drivers will avoid stopping and leave longer following distances to give their animals a smoother ride. Be patient and don’t cut them up.
When there are wildlife warning signs, take heed of them. If a deer runs out in front of you, keep an eye out, as more may well follow.
Ease off when approaching field entrances and gateways – unless you can see there is nothing. Where there are farm vehicles moving about, there is likely to be slippery mud on the road when it’s wet.
The national speed limit, 60mph, is an absolute maximum, not a target. Speed limits differ for drivers who are towing. The maximum speed limits for a car and trailer are: 60 mph – motorway and dual carriageway, and 50 mph on other roads. Be sensitive to this.
Rural roads often have overgrown verges, bushes and trees which will block your view. Always drive to be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. On a single-track road you need to double that stopping distance.
Elstow said: “Rural roads are more fun to drive than long, straight ones, but they are responsible for the majority of fatal and serious accidents.
“Ask yourself, can you stop in the distance you can see to be clear? And have you anticipated the approaching vehicle or junction hidden around the bend? Drive to the road and weather conditions to ensure you stay safe while enjoying your time in the country.”
To help drivers stay safe and enjoy their driving this summer, the IAM has a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts, and driving tips, including: driving abroad, cycling, coping with Olympic congestion, and loading the car for a long journey.
