"Londoners 'more likely to crash on rural roads'" (Roads)

Thu 11 Dec, 19:44

Its the only time that a posh 4x4 is at home, but the problem is that don't know how to use them

Thu 11 Dec, 13:55 (last edited on Thu 11 Dec, 13:57)

NFU Mutual has been campaigning on this issue for some time. They want new rules introduced requiring learners to gain experience on rural roads. The also want a 'Rural Road Safety Awareness Course' for those who offend on rural roads.

The emphasis on Londoners is pretty misleading, since in their earlier surveys it was simply urban drivers who were shown to lack the skills and/or confidence to drive on rural roads. In this area, we might also add visiting Americans and others relocating or visiting from overseas.

The issues that NFU pick out in their earlier report include • Changing speed limits • Blind corners, junctions or field entrances • High speed corners and junctions • Narrow carriageways and single lanes with no hard shoulders • Overgrown verges • Undulating roads and poor road conditions • Limited/no road lighting or road markings • Ice, mud and debris on the road • Agricultural vehicles, plus livestock and wild animals on the road • Vulnerable road users (e.g. people walking, cycling, riding horses or horse-drawn vehicles) • Parked and stationary vehicles at passing points.

Their earlier report is here: www.nfumutual.co.uk/globalassets/campaigns/rural-road-safety/code-for-countryside-roads-booklet.pdf

This year's report is targeted at the Governmment since new Road Safety Proposals (much of which will be aimed at older drivers) is expected in 2026.

Thu 11 Dec, 12:48

I love how they've 'called on the government' to tackle the issue.

What if people just slowed down to under 70mph?

Sorry. Grumpy today.

Thu 11 Dec, 10:21

Can honestly believe it. The road out to Enstone has never been pleasant but it’s got noticeably worse in the last few years.