Rural driving hazards and car accident prevention on rural roads
During the holiday period most drivers venture into new road situations, often along rural roads and in unfamiliar surroundings. When car accidents occur in these circumstances they are often very different and more destructive in their nature to those that occur on urban roads.
In urban areas, where the traffic density is usually high, more accidents are low speed, shunt type car accidents. On rural roads, where drivers feel able to build up speed because of low traffic density, the accidents often occur at high speed and end in far more serious personal injury.
Rural roads can be particularly twisty or hilly and distance visibility is further hampered by the close proximity of trees and hedges. Road users who travel on these quiet roads, particularly those that know them well, will often travel at higher speeds and this gives them a reduced time to react.
High speed and reduced reaction time results in high impact, severe collisions that hold a far greater risk of fatality.
Surveys have illustrated that many drivers, particularly young inexperienced drivers, feel that it is safer to break the speed limit for a number of reasons on rural roads; they feel that there is a reduced likelihood they will get caught and they feel the low traffic density means less likelihood of collision. However, there are many other road risks that can be encountered in rural areas;
- Concealed entrances often hidden by hedges
- Blind bends where oncoming vehicles may be forced to the wrong side of the road
- Mud on the road - often left by farm vehicles
- Animals can cause sudden, sharp braking
Pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk on rural roads. With the lack of cycle paths and pedestrian footpaths, car drivers often come unexpectedly upon someone in their way and again due to the twisty nature of the roads a car travelling at high speed may have to brake hard which can result in swerving.
Urban drivers should also be aware that rural roads are less likely to have street lighting and at night it is essential that your headlights are fully functional.
Despite general advice that pedestrians and cyclists should wear reflective clothing, have cycle lights and/or carry a torch; the car driver should keep in mind that not all pedestrians and cyclists will follow these recommendations and that they may still be very hard to see.
Making a claim for a Rural Road Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault you may be eligible for car accident compensation through YouClaim. We have an excellent claims success rate and our dedicated personal injury claims solicitors will talk you through your claim giving you all the explanations and reassurance that you require.
We operate on a no win, no fee' basis so that you will receive 100% of the compensation awarded and you will be protected from all litigation related costs.
So, if you have been in a car accident and would like to talk to us about making a claim, call us on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively visit the YouClaim home page for more information and to fill out an online claim form.
