|
Motorists are being reminded that while country roads may have less
traffic, they still have dangers, as statistics show drivers and
passengers are more likely to die on a rural road than a busy
street.
Rural routes often create hazards
for motorists may encounter pedestrians with no pavement to use,
horses and their riders, cyclists, slow moving farm vehicles,
livestock and wild animals.
Clair George, road safety officer
for the SaferPeterborough partnership, said: "Nationally more than
half of all fatalities occur on rural roads. Motorists should drive
at a speed that is appropriate for the conditions, which will often
be less than the speed limit. Some drivers are unaware of potential
hazards and drive far too fast, treating rural roads as their own
personal race circuit or short cut."
"The message is to drive at a speed
suitable for the characteristics of the road and be aware of
unexpected hazards such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of
junctions and animals on the road. Junctions or bends can mean you
do not see another vehicle until it is too late if you are driving
too fast."
The campaign extends to enforcement,
promotion of Speed Watch, distribution of literature to parish
councils and the erection of temporary ‘Slow Down’ signs in villages
where residents have highlighted speeding as an issue. |
