Vulnerable Road Users

 

Statistics show rural roads can be the most dangerous roads to drive on. Around 66% of people killed

on Britain's' roads, are killed on rural roads. Motorways may seem more frightening, but statistics show

they are far safer then the seemingly quieter roads of the countryside.

 

Speed

Most rural roads have a speed limit of 60 mph, however, this doesn't mean you should always drive at this speed. 

As with all driving, you should drive at an appropriate speed for the road condition you face. Many rural roads are narrow, twisting and can have a poor road surface, all these factors need to be taken into account.

 

Many inexperienced drivers take corners too fast, especially on rural roads where the severity of a bend can be hard to judge. You should always reduce your speed as you approach a bend. Remember the bend may hide a horse and rider, a slow-moving vehicle or another hazard.

 

Blind Bends

Blind bends are commonplace on rural roads, see photo right. A blind bend has no view beyond the bend, so can hide on-coming traffic, pedestrians, horses and other hazards.

 

On A-roads you will often find the road marking 'slow' will warn you of a blind bend ahead, but on

more minor roads, such markings are rare.

 

Treat blind bends like any other hazard, slow down, check your mirrors and be prepared to stop.

 

To learn about cornering and how to judge a bend see our guide on driving through bends.

 

Single-Track Roads

These are roads (not unique to rural areas) that are not wide enough for two vehicles to pass at once.

 

To make matters worse, these roads are often lined with hedges and are full of twists and turns, all of which reduces the drivers ability to see ahead. Even though many of these roads have the national speed limit of 60 mph, you should always drive at a speed you feel is safe and appropriate, remember the golden rule of speed:

 

always drive at such a speed that you can stop comfortably in the distance ahead you can see to be safe.

When visibility is limited by hedges and bends you can use your horn to warn other road users of your presence. 

 

At night you can flash your headlights to give a similar warning.

 

To allow two vehicles to pass each other, single-track roads have regular passing places - basically road extensions bulging out to the side of the road.

 

Some of these will be marked, but in my experience most are not. Some will have a tarmac surface, but many will be more grass and earth than road, and may even be difficult to recognise.

 

When approaching another vehicle, continue onwards until there is only one passing place left between you. The first vehicle to reach this passing place should stop and pull into it allowing the other vehicle to pass.

 

If, as often happens, you come round a bend and find your path blocked by another vehicle directly

ahead of you, one of you will have to reverse to the nearest passing place. There are no exact rules

here, but if you a passing place is close behind, be polite and reverse into it. If however, you can see a

passing place close behind the other vehicle, wait for them to reverse into it. Common sense is all it takes.

 

Animals

When approaching horses and other animals you should reduce your speed and allow them plenty of room as you pass. Don't rev your engine, sound your horn or do anything which may frighten them.

If you come across a flock of sheep or herd of cattle blocking your way, you must stop, switch of your engine and wait until

they have left the road.

 

Farm Vehicles and Other Slow Moving-Traffic

 

The first rule, is to be patient and don't feel pressured into having to overtake a slow-moving vehicle, even if a queue of traffic is building-up behind you.

 

Keep well back, so that you can see the road ahead clearly. Only overtake when it is safe, and legal, to do so. You may find that drivers behind you will try and overtake you and the slow-moving vehicle in one go, so keep an eye on your mirrors and always check them before pulling out to overtake.

 

Mud on the road may be a sign that a farm vehicle is close-by. Be aware that such a vehicle may emerge from a concealed field entrance.

 

At Night

Many rural roads don't have street lighting, although most have cats-eyes, seen in the image right. These highlight the lane you are travelling in, and show you the direction the road is taking.

 

Many single-track roads have no lighting and no cats eyes.

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