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.
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With
autumn weather arriving, more darkness and rain, it's an idea to have a
rethink on keeping as safe as possible on the road. You will benefit
from having a plan in place and this is called DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
The roads today are busier than ever and this is set to continue.
As well as the traffic volumes,todays driver often has to cope with unpredictable, irrational, offensive and dangerous driving from others. (Lis and me had the pleasure of experiencing some obnoxious driving on the way to Cheltenham last night!)
Such driving behaviour makes todays road conditions hostile in a real sense, with a higher risk of accident. In these conditions drivers need to revise and practise a defensive strategy. This is" defensive driving", sometimes called "planned driving."
Defensive Driving.
Defensive driving is based on EFFECTIVE observation, good anticipation and control. Always question the actions of other road users, be prepared for the unusual, so that you are not taken by surprise.
Try to always drive with responsibility, care, consideration and courtesy. This will help you to "stay cool" if things do blow up.
Always put safety above all else. Have concern for others as well as yourself, especially the most vulnerable, those walking or riding.
Expect others to make mistakes and be ready to slow down or stop-even if you think you have priority. Never rely on other road users to do the correct thing.
Your safety is mainly in your own hands. The better your control and use of road space, the safer you will be.
Try to set a good example with your driving, it might impress and influence others.
Reduce hostility.
If you drive defensively, you will demonstrate more patience and anticipation, which will go a long way towards reducing incidents that result in open hostility, abusive language, threats and physical violence. Avoid at all costs the type of driving that gives offence to others, provokes reaction, and creates a dangerous situation.
Competitive Driving. Avoid driving with a spirit of competition, as this is the opposite to defensive driving and will increase the risks to everyone.
Future posts will look in a little more detail at various elements of defensive driving.
In the meantime, as always. Be careful out there!
Thanks, John.
The roads today are busier than ever and this is set to continue.
As well as the traffic volumes,todays driver often has to cope with unpredictable, irrational, offensive and dangerous driving from others. (Lis and me had the pleasure of experiencing some obnoxious driving on the way to Cheltenham last night!)
Such driving behaviour makes todays road conditions hostile in a real sense, with a higher risk of accident. In these conditions drivers need to revise and practise a defensive strategy. This is" defensive driving", sometimes called "planned driving."
Defensive Driving.
Defensive driving is based on EFFECTIVE observation, good anticipation and control. Always question the actions of other road users, be prepared for the unusual, so that you are not taken by surprise.
Try to always drive with responsibility, care, consideration and courtesy. This will help you to "stay cool" if things do blow up.
Always put safety above all else. Have concern for others as well as yourself, especially the most vulnerable, those walking or riding.
Expect others to make mistakes and be ready to slow down or stop-even if you think you have priority. Never rely on other road users to do the correct thing.
Your safety is mainly in your own hands. The better your control and use of road space, the safer you will be.
Try to set a good example with your driving, it might impress and influence others.
Reduce hostility.
If you drive defensively, you will demonstrate more patience and anticipation, which will go a long way towards reducing incidents that result in open hostility, abusive language, threats and physical violence. Avoid at all costs the type of driving that gives offence to others, provokes reaction, and creates a dangerous situation.
Competitive Driving. Avoid driving with a spirit of competition, as this is the opposite to defensive driving and will increase the risks to everyone.
Future posts will look in a little more detail at various elements of defensive driving.
In the meantime, as always. Be careful out there!
Thanks, John.