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My husband, Graham, and I love caravanning and try to get away every other weekend. Before Covid-19, we toured abroad, too. Graham recently turned 50 and we thought that a caravan birthday cake was very fitting! Our parrot joins us on our weekend trips and he just loves it – we all relax. We do get a lot of double-takes when people see him running along the cushions saying hello to passers-by.
IF THE THOUGHT of driving on country roads brings you out in a sweat, you’re not alone. Research has revealed that three in 10 drivers are willing to take a 16-mile detour to avoid having to pass down narrow country roads.
A study from Ageas and the RAC found 58% of drivers think driving along narrow country roads is a pressured situation.
Of drivers surveyed, 62% said it was the challenge presented by getting past other vehicles in a tight space that stressed them out, while 61% also attribute it to fear of having a collision with motorists on the route.
Other factors included having to reverse to try to discover a suitable passing place (45%), and the prospect of ending up stuck behind a tractor (44%). Another sticking point is the standoff over who backs away to locate a passing place (37%).
The RAC offers three simple tips to help drivers negotiate rural roads safely:
1 Check your route carefully
If using sat nav, scrutinise the suggested route before setting out and see whether it’s actually easier and more comfortable to stick to main roads as far as possible instead. In addition, be aware of sat navs recommending diversions down narrow lanes for the sake of making up just a few minutes – it’s time that’s easily lost if you meet oncoming traffic. Don’t be afraid to take the long way around – perhaps an extra 16 miles or 25 minutes is well worth it.
2 Get in some practice
If you are unaccustomed to negotiating narrow roads, get in a bit of practice by driving on some close to home before the pressure of a family holiday.
3 Take your time
Although many country roads have speed limits of 60mph, that doesn’t mean this will be the right speed to drive at – in fact, in many cases it can be incredibly unsafe to do so.
Read the road carefully and consider what forward visibility you have. If the route is narrow and winding, it’s time to reduce your speed accordingly.