Rural Roads Deceptively Dangerous, Warns IAM

Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain's top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on driving on rural roads.

Always ensure you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road. This will mean you probably need to slow down approaching bends. Accelerate when you can see through the bend.

Be aware that vulnerable road users including cyclists and horses are more likely to use these roads, and give them plenty of space when you do come across them.

Rural roads can be windy and twisty. Use the line of hedges, trees or telegraph poles to show you which direction the road goes in.

Drive with extra care past apparently isolated houses and buildings, in case people or vehicles are around.

Mud on the road may means that farm vehicles will be moving around. Look out for vehicles emerging from field entrances.

Don't swerve uncontrollably if a small animal darts out in front of you. It's better to have a broken fog light or a dented bumper than a loss of control or a serious accident.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "Driving on rural roads requires different skills from driving on urban roads. Unexpected hazards, twisty roads and high speed limits make rural roads tricky, so take extra care and adjust your speed to match how far down the road you can see."

Peter Rodger is the IAM's chief examiner. The IAM is the UK's largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

More at IAM