Country roads might take us home but they can be very dangerous to drive on and are where a lot of accidents tend to happen.

                              

But, as with all types of roads, there are some things you should keep in mind when driving on rural roads.

1. Take it slow. It sounds obvious but just because the speed limit tends to be higher on country roads doesn't mean you should be driving at that speed. You need to make sure you are in control of your car and will be able to stop immediately if you need to. Rural roads are narrower which means that you will also have less space in which to stop.

 

2. Be wary of hazards that you wouldn't get or wouldn't get as much on main roads. These include larger pot holes and loose gravel as well as animals and walkers. You never know what will be around the corner. Speaking of which blind spots are more common both on corners and hills thus increasing the risk of a collision.

3. Pay attention to road signs. They are there for a reason and you ought to pay attention to them especially if you don't know the road. There could be hidden bumps or a sharp corner ahead which you will need to adjust your driving for.

 

4. Don't overtake unless your are absolutely certain it is safe to do so. Everybody knows what it's like to get stuck behind a tractor or another slow-moving vehicle but overtaking on rural roads can be very dangerous due to the limited amount of space and the unpredictability of the road. It is better to keep your distance and wait until the tractor pulls in than to risk your life overtaking.

Check back here for weekly driving tips, with thanks to MSL Ballsbridge