Page 19 - Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP 1

STAYING SAFE ON RURAL ROADS

A lack of care or awareness from drivers when travelling on rural roads leads to
higher fatality rates on them when compared to motorways. So much so that almost
70% OF FATALITIES ON NORTHERN IRELAND ROADS BETwEEN JANUARY &
MARCH 2020 TOOK PLACE ON RURAL ROADS
Understanding the different circumstances or conditions that are often presented is highly
beneficial if you are driving in rural areas.
1. Speed limits Designated speed limits are provided as a maximum legal guide
however situations such as sharp bends, often mean that drivers should drive slower.
2. Winding roads When driving on winding roads, slow your car ahead of the bend to a
speed which will allow you to stop should a hazard emerge around the corner.
3. Flooding danger After heavy rainfall, roads in rural areas often become flooded. Driving
through floodwater should be avoided if possible, - it is difficult to determine the water’s depth.
4. Mud on the road The prevalence of agricultural vehicles on rural roads inevitably
means that there will sometimes be mud or wet leaves, making the roads slippery.
5. Manure on the road Rural road are also used by horses and their riders. Spotting a
fresh pile of manure should alert you to the possibility that horses are not far away.
6. Limited vision Hedges and overgrown trees can make it difficult to clearly see the
road ahead.
7. Reacting to wildlife Swerving to avoid a rabbit or pheasant, but this is dangerous.
Slight damage to your car is better than a serious accident due to losing control of your
vehicle.
8. Livestock delays If you see livestock on the road, stop the car, and wait patiently.
9. Farm traffic Tractors and farm machinery on the road will not usually be travelling too
far up the road, so it won’t be long before the road is clear again.

10. Read between the white lines:
Painted road markings
indicate potential hazards.
11. Ice on or under bridges 12. Churches
The road surface on bridges will be are a sign
the first to freeze when the temperate If you see a
drops, whilst roads that run church spire in the
underneath them will often be distance, reduce
the last to thaw. speed as you are
approaching a
residential location.

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