Drivers warned of higher fatality risk on rural roads

Rural roads pose unique dangers – including narrow lanes, blind bends, mud, and poor visibility – all of which significantly increase the risk of fatal collisions compared with urban routes.

Road safety charity Brake, and the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) are reminding drivers that each year more than 1,700 people are killed on UK roads, and a further 30,000 sustain serious, life-changing injuries.

See also: Farmers reminded of road safety after fatal tractor collision

Recent analysis by rural insurer NFU Mutual, based on Department for Transport figures, also revealed that there were 70% more deaths on Britain’s rural roads in 2023 compared with urban roads and that collisions in the countryside are four times more likely to result in a fatality.

Brake’s annual Road Safety Week runs from 16-22 November and is themed “Safe vehicles save lives”.

The charity says these tragedies are preventable and that safe vehicles and managing speed are a good place to start.

Check your speed

Luca Straker, campaigns manager at Brake, said: “A big ask is to check your speed and to drive to the conditions of the road.

“Rural roads are often narrow with limited visibility, and we know that one of the main factors in traffic fatalities is speed.”

Ensuring the vehicle was in good working order and that the driver was fit, healthy, and not distracted were also key considerations in reducing fatal accidents.

Drive safely

Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety Foundation manager, added:

“As the nights grow longer and the weather turns, it is important that we all take a moment to check that agricultural vehicles, trailers and towing equipment are in good working order.”