ON THE ROAD
What to watch out for to help keep you safe whether you’re driving in cities, on the motorway or on narrow rural lanes
Travelling on country lanes can be quite a challenge, with tight bends, unpredictable wildlife or slowmoving tractors complicating matters. Here’s some advice from road safety charity IAM Roadsmart
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SAFETY FIRST
Some rural roads might set a speed limit of 60mph, but it’s not a target. Pedestrians, cyclists or domestic or wild animals could be around the next corner. Keep your speed at a level where you can stop quickly if something unexpected appears around the bend.
READ THE ROAD
On winding roads, hedge lines and telegraph poles can give an indication of the twists and turns ahead. Remember that any break in the hedge is a potential junction for a tractor.
REVERSE TECHNIQUE
Some drivers struggle with reversing. If you’re on a narrow lane, meet an oncoming vehicle and need to go back into a passing place, use mirrors, signals and careful observation.
ANIMAL ACCIDENTS
Watch out for road signs warning of animals in the area. If the worst ever happens and you injure or kill an animal while on the road, legally you are obliged to inform the police. The definition of animal in the Road Traffic Act 1988 includes any cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, mules or dogs – though not deer, foxes or cats.
Calling the police is still advisable, however, as they can advise on what you should do or attend to remove a large animal from the road. The RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999 is also available 24 hours a day.
CAR DAMAGE
As well as being upsetting, a collision with an animal can be expensive. Research by Saga insurance shows that, in 2016, there were almost 300 incidents involving deer, causing more than £360,000 of damage to motorists’ cars.
HORSE SENSE
If you encounter a horse, slow right down and stay back, if possible, as horse and rider may soon leave the road. If you do need to overtake, pass wide and slow. The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk) has guidance on driving around horses.