If you are planning on staying in the UK this summer and exploring some of the many delights that rural areas have to offer, then it is worth remembering that many areas don’t have dual carriageways, or even two-lane A roads. In fact, to get to the most secluded spots you are guaranteed to have to negotiate a few B roads and even a few unnamed roads.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your fellow road users safe and (hopefully) avoid road rage.
Speed limit
On rural roads, unless signs say otherwise, the National Speed Limit of 60 mph applies. However, this doesn’t mean that it is OK for you to go at 60 on narrow, windy roads. The law says that you must go at a speed that will allow you to stop before the next obstruction. This means that, if you are approaching a narrow bend and you can’t see what is coming the other way, you should be going a speed that will enable you to stop before that bend, should a car, tractor or herd of cows come around the corner.
Road users
As you venture into more rural areas, you may see a few road signs that you haven’t spotted before, which could include signs alerting you to the possibly of tractors, horses, horses with riders, deer and even frogs in the road. Take note of any warning signs and look out for other signs that there are other, slower or more vulnerable road users, for example horse manure could mean that there is a horse and rider up ahead, or fresh mud in the roads could indicate a tractor nearby. Also be aware of hidden entrances to fields, where farm vehicles or animals could emerge.
Overtaking
When on country roads, it is simple: if you can’t clearly see what is coming towards you, you shouldn’t overtake, no matter how slow and annoying the vehicle in front is. You’re on holiday; embrace the slower pace and enjoy the scenery! If you are following a horse rider or cyclist, then it is OK to overtake them, but make sure you take it slowly and leave them plenty of space. If the road is too narrow to do this, then wait for a passing spot or entrance and overtake them there.
Be observant
If you are used to relatively wide, straight roads, there are a few things that you should keep an eye out for. This includes: potholes (especially ones filled with water as it is impossible to tell how deep they are), cambers in the road, sharp bends, and passing places. Keep note of passing places because if you encounter an oncoming vehicle, you may need to reverse to let them pass.
Hit a pothole? Head to your local garage to check your tire condition and wheel alignment ASAP. For more tips, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook or Twitter.