From cars and machinery, everything is getting bigger, faster and more efficient. But there is one thing that hasn’t kept up … and that’s our rural roads.
According to Brake, the charity behind Road Safety Week, 10 times as many people die on rural roads in the UK as on our motorways. Motorcyclists are twice as likely to be killed on rural roads and cyclists three times as likely….
And if you’re a young male driver aged 17-24, you are 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than someone over 25 according to a recent THINK! campaign.
So how on earth do those tasked with keeping us safe go about improving rural road safety?
We asked local forces round the country about what they’re doing as well as their top tips for using rural roads.
Leicestershire and Rutland
In Leicestershire and Rutland, the Rural Policing Team have worked with local Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) and Leicestershire Fire Service to roll out a training session called ‘Drive it Home’ to highlight the ‘fatal four’ causes of road accidents which are:
- Inappropriate speed
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Distracted driving
- Drink or drug driving
Sergeant Rob Cross, who is also Vice-President of Leicestershire and Rutland YFC, is passionate about keeping young people safe on our roads and helped to develop the course.
“This course was designed with rural young people in mind and to prevent fatalities and serious collisions on rural roads. The intention is to equip YFC members to deliver the input to their peers and to help them to understand the implications of the ‘fatal 4’. If one life is saved, it will have been worth the effort.
“If I could give one piece of advice to a young person it would be to drive with caution and respect, and don’t take risks. Unseen hazards and over confidence can be fatal.”
Devon and Cornwall
Devon and Cornwall Police agree that engaging with this audience and educating them will improve behaviours on rural roads.
“Officers are continuing to focus efforts around raising awareness of safe use of agricultural vehicles on our roads,” says MPC Andrew Bennett.
“The winter months are known to bring a variety of additional challenges around safety, specifically when using agricultural vehicles on our roads,” he added.
Farmers are encouraged to:
- Check lights – make sure they are in good working order
- Watch your width – know the legal limits for equipment and trailers
- Consider equipment – ensure the safe movement of projecting equipment
- Keep it clean – mud on the road is a hazard and needs to be swept clean
- Check tyres – are they roadworthy?
- Secure your load – do not exceed maximum towing weights and make sure everything is tied down
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
It’s not just the police who are – excuse the pun – driving this message forward. It is something that Fire and Rescue teams across the country are also taking extremely seriously.
“At Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service we work closely with the Police and Councils to make roads safer,” says Amy Goulden, Head of Community Safety and Engagement. “As well as looking at layouts and speed limits at hotspots we focus on education.
“Last year we attended over 400 collisions in Notts, and we only get a call when someone is trapped. We know driving is important for young people living far from public transport but we ask that you’re careful. Please wear seatbelts, don’t be distracted by phones or others. Do stay alert; no alcohol or drugs, and please mind your speed, it might save your life.”
So, whether you’re in the tractor, truck or on the quad, rural roads demand your full attention and respect. You owe it to yourself and everyone you share the road with.
