Driving School Colchester Tips: Driving on Country Roads

Statistics could show that country roads can be the most dangerous to drive on. It’s around 66 percent of all people killed on Britain’s roads, lost their lives on rural roads. The motorways in the United Kingdom (UK) can be more frightening due to the presence of numerous speeding vehicles, however records could show they’re far safer than its quiet countryside roads. Here are great tips from the best Driving School Colchester.

Mostly, rural roads have a speed limit of 60 miles per hour (mph), however, this doesn’t mean you should often drive at this speed. So, you must drive your car at a speed which is appropriate for the condition of the road that you are facing. Many country roads are twisting, narrow, or have a poor surface.

Many dangerous and inexperienced drivers would take corners very fast, especially on country roads where bends are severe and can be hard to judge, so their possibility of meeting an accident is higher. So, you must reduce your speed when you approach a blind bend on a rural road. Remember the bend may hide any other potential hazards such as a horse and rider or a slow-moving vehicle.

Remember that blind bends are common on rural roads. They could hide oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, horses and other potential hazards. On urban roads you will often see the road marking “slow” to warn you of a blind bend ahead, but on rural roads, such markings are rarely to be found. So, you need to be extra cautious and treat every blind bend as potential hazard itself.

Remember the golden rule of speed: “Always drive your car at a speed that you can stop comfortably in the distance ahead that you’ll be safe.” So, 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 the same warning.

If you come round a blind bend and suddenly find your path blocked by another vehicle directly ahead of you, one of you will have to reverse to the nearest passing place. However, there are no exact rules on this situation but common sense is all it takes to apply.

When approaching horses and other animals you should reduce your speed and allow them plenty of space as you pass. Don’t sound your horn, don’t rev your engine, 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 off your engine and wait until they’ve left the road.

When there are slow moving farm vehicles, the first rule, you have to follow to be considerate and don’t feel  being pressured to overtake even if a queue is building-up behind you. Only overtake when it’s really safe and legal to do so. You may find that drivers behind you will try and overtake you, so keep your eyes on your mirrors and often check them before you pull out to safely overtake the other vehicle on the road.

If there’s mud on the road, it’s a sign that a farm vehicle is just close from your location. So, be aware that such a vehicle may emerge from a concealed field entrance.