Driver’s dashboard

From navigating country lanes to getting the most from a hire car, follow these essential tips when you’re at the wheel STAY SAFE

Negotiating country lanes can be quite a challenge, with tight bends, unpredictable wildlife or slow-moving tractors complicating matters. Follow this advice from road-safety charity IAM Roadsmart Many rural roads might set a limit of 60mph but don’t forget there could be pedestrians, cyclists or domestic or wild animals around the corner. Keep your speed at a level where you can stop quickly if necessary. On winding roads, hedge lines and telegraph poles can give an idea of the twists and turns that are ahead. But don’t forget that any break in the hedge is a potential junction for a tractor.

If you meet an oncoming vehicle on a narrow lane and need to reverse back into a passing place, use both mirrors and careful observation. Watch out for road signs warning of animals. If the worst happens and you injure or kill one, legally you should inform the police. The definition of animal in the Road Traffic Act 1988 includes any cattle, sheep, pig, goat, horse, mule or dog – though not deer, foxes or cats. Calling the police is advisable, however, as they can help you or attend to remove a large animal from the road. The RSPCA helpline on 0300 123 4999 is also available 24 hours a day. As well as being upsetting, a collision with an animal can also be expensive. Research by Saga insurance shows that in 2016 almost 300 incidents involving deer caused more than £360,000 of damage to motorists’ cars.

If you encounter a horse, slow right down – stay back if possible, but if you need to overtake, pass wide and slow. The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk) has guidance on driving around horses.