RURAL DRIVING [SEPTEMBER 2015] IN THIS SESSION • The truth about rural roads • The LGV and rural roads • Rural hazards • Planning for rural driving WHICH ARE SAFER RURAL ROADS OR URBAN ROADS? WHAT ARE THE RISKS ON A RURAL ROAD? 1
THE TRUTH ABOUT RURAL ROADS WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE REASONS FOR THESE NUMBERS? THE TRUTH ABOUT RURAL ROADS 2
THE LGV AND RURAL ROADS High seating position provides the driver with a good view ahead and line of sight on upcoming hazards Rural roads often have tight bends. You may encounter a bend that you cannot safely negotiate. Some roads just aren’t built for heavy vehicles. Some bridges are not capable of supporting heavier vehicles IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IGNORE WEIGHT RESTRICTION NOTICES IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BRIDGE HEIGHT WARNING DISPLAYED ON A CIRCULAR SIGN AND ONE DISPLAYED ON A TRIANGULAR SIGN? 3
NAME THE PRINCIPLE HAZARDS YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER ON RURAL ROADS? HOW CAN YOU MINIMISE THE RISK? RURAL HAZARDS RURAL HAZARDS 4
RURAL HAZARDS RURAL HAZARDS RURAL HAZARDS 5
PLANNING FOR RURAL DRIVING PLANNING FOR RURAL DRIVING ? ANY QUESTIONS? 6
QUESTIONS Q. What percentage of drivers report having had a near miss on rural roads? A. 25% QUESTIONS Q. As well as low bridges, what other low hanging hazards might you expect to encounter on rural routes? Branches Telegraph/electrical cables QUESTIONS Q. Which types of driver are more prone to exceeding the speed limit on rural roads? A. Motorcyclists and car drivers 7
QUESTIONS Q. Approximately how many incidents involving horses are there on the roads of Britain every year? A. 3,000 SUMMARY • Statistically rural roads are more dangerous than urban roads • 60% of all road fatalities occur on country roads. • Rural roads are 11 times more dangerous than motorways • 3 people a day die on Britain’s rural roads • Drivers should plan accordingly for rural road driving, remember: height, width, weight and length of the vehicle • It is an offence to ignore weight restriction signs • Car drivers and motorcyclists tend to break the speed limit on rural roads SUMMARY • Rural roads see a higher proportion of overtaking collision • Take extra care when passing ridden horses and livestock • Expect to meet large agricultural vehicles • Always plan for rural driving: o Check the route is suitable for the vehicle o Let the operating centre know the route o Ensure you are equipped to work without support o In the winter take warm clothes and supplies in case you get stranded 8
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