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Back to News ArchiveRural Road Dangers
The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) wants driving on rural roads to become be a compulsory part of pre-test training. The call comes after 12 people lost their lives on rural roads this weekend (six in Nottinghamshire, three in Wales, and two in Essex and one in Sussex) and several more were seriously injured.
“For the families and emergency services involved, the effects of these crashes will last a lifetime. But if we are to reduce the number of these tragedies in future, rural road safety must be made a much higher priority”, said Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the IAM.
The IAM’s Rural Roads report in 2007 highlighted the dangers of these high-speed, often single carriageway roads, which drivers wrongly think are safer.In fact,any mistakes they make are more likely to be punished by death or serious injury.
Mr Greig added: "Two key improvements are essential to address the problem:
Driving on rural roads must be included in any new driving test regime
Highway authorities must implement well-known design solutions to provide more safe overtaking opportunities, protect vehicles from hitting solid roadside objects and give drivers a chance to negotiate junctions in safety”