Driving on Rural Roads

More deaths occur on rural roads than on urban ones.  In 2019, there were 931 fatal accidents on rural roads compared to 627 on urban roads (ROSPA – March 2021).  

The nature of rural roads (narrow, bendy, many blind spots, no pavement, crossing facilities or overtaking areas) in combination with high speeds, is a likely cause for the severity of collisions.  Due to the nature of rural roads, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, agricultural vehicles, and other types of vehicles are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.   

This means that drivers have to be more aware, anticipate and react to dangerous situations in a safe timely manner. The speed limit is the absolute maximum. However, this does not mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all conditions.   

Users of rural roads must be aware of hidden dangers.  It is important not to take risks with your safety or the safety of others.  At night, it gets more difficult to be aware of vulnerable road users as rural roads do not have street lighting or cats-eyes.  When drivers can’t see ahead, they must always assume there may be someone walking, cycling or on horseback around the corner.  

Weather conditions on rural roads can be very dangerous, especially during the winter.  They are often left untreated for ice, vulnerable to snow drifts and flooding.  It is important to change your driving to cope with these situations – in particular, by reducing your speed.  With rural driving you must expect the unexpected.  This can help you to stay safe, especially if you meet ice, mud or wet leaves on the road, poor road surfaces, animals, or slow-moving farm machinery. 

New and inexperienced drivers may find driving on rural roads challenging. The UK driving test takes in varied types of roads.  However, due to the location of driving test centres, rural roads may not be incorporated into the practical test. It is therefore always recommended for new drivers to undertake the Pass Plus Course which is designed to improve the skills of newly qualified drivers.  Although originally set up by the Driving Standards Agency to encourage drivers who have recently passed their driving test to undergo further training, this test can also be taken up by any driver who feels they need to gain further experience and enhance their skills.  The course incorporates rural driving, all weather driving, night driving and motorway driving. 

Karen Swann 

YSS #MORSE Link Worker 

Former DSA Examiner and DSA ADI