Country Road Safety
Think you know the road like the back of your hand? ... You don't have to be speeding to be driving too fast ... 3 out of 4 fatalities happen on country road ... Don't risk it.
Serious accidents are hugely over,represented on country roads with 3 out of 4 fatalities occurring on them. The Scottish Government's Country Roads campaign aims to address this high proportion of deaths that occur every year.
Don't be lulled into a false sense of security because you regularly drive the same road. Just because Scotland's country roads are quieter than urban roads, don't assume they are safer. Country roads present far more challenges to drivers than many think , you don't have to be speeding to be driving too fast. You should always drive sensibly on country roads, tailoring your speed to the road conditions while bearing in mind that this should never exceed the posted limit.
Male drivers, in particular, are most likely to be at risk on country roads because of their tendency to drive at an inappropriate speed for the conditions. The situation on roads changes every day, so thinking you know a road like the back of your hand doesn't make you immune from an accident. The following factors are all major contributors to country road fatalities; driver alertness/tiredness, familiarity of the road leading to complacency on it, external elements such as animals, other drivers and road/weather conditions.
What can you do?
1) Slow down. Even a small change makes a big difference.
2) Change their attitudes to driving on country roads, consider the risks and challenge the behaviour that increases speed.
3) Be aware of the unpredictability of Scotland's country roads , Your speed should vary depending on a number of factors such as driver alertness/tiredness, external elements such as animals, other drivers and road/weather conditions.
4) Realise that the right speed is often lower than the posted speed limit. Be aware of our suggested ‘Country Road Readiness' tips and change their behaviour when driving on country roads as a result.
Country Roads Readiness Tips
- You should drive sensibly on country roads, tailoring your speed to the conditions whilst bearing in mind that this should never exceed the posted speed limit.
- Ensure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt.
- Always be aware that the appropriate speed for the road conditions will vary depending on a number of factors such as driver alertness/tiredness, external elements such as animals, other drivers and road/weather conditions.
- Only overtake when you have a clear, long view of the road ahead. It takes longer than you think to pass a vehicle when traffic is coming the other way.
- Be aware of the state of the road you are driving on in relation to stopping distances , there is often a lot of mud and other debris making the roads very slippery , especially after rain showers.
- When approaching a bend reduce your speed and keep a road position that will give you maximum visibility of the road ahead. This will help reduce the risk of collision when meeting a car coming the other way.
- Vulnerable road users like cyclists and horse riders are very common on country roads so don't drive too close to them and be aware of them around bends, give them plenty of room and only pass when safe to do so.
- Slow vehicles like caravans and farm vehicles take up a lot of the narrow lanes on the country roads and should be given plenty of room.
- Be patient, don't be up the bumper of the car in front of you and never overtake impulsively.
- Always look ahead for oncoming vehicles.
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