Driving On Country Lanes

This post continues our theme on defensive driving. The accident rate on this type of road is pretty dreadful, so a reminder of a few techniques to remember on these roads may be of help.
Bends and Junctions.
Take extra care and reduce your speed when you approach bends and junctions. Bends can often be sharper than you think on approach and can be obscured by vegetation.
Other more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists may be hard to make out with an unusual background. Be alert also for horse riders and slow moving farm machinery, and remember that Large Goods Vehicles that have to use the road may take up a good part of the road.
Junctions and farm entrances may be obscured and are not always signed.
Other road users.
There are often no pavements on country roads, so you must expect to meet pedestrians and joggers in the road. Horse riders, cyclists and farm animals can often be found on country roads, so pass them with plenty of space and be patient and wait until it is safe before overtaking.
Speed Limits.
The national speed limit of 60mph usually applies on country lanes, but remember this is a limit and not a target. There are not many country lanes where this speed is appropriate, so drive at a speed where you can stay in control.
Hope these few tips can help, and as always, be careful out there!
Thanks, John.