Rural roads used as a racetrack
Direct Line today called for the speed limit to be reduced to 40mph on rural roads due to the high number of fatalities now occurring on country lanes.
Every year, more than 15,000 accidents result in fatalities or serious injuries on country roads* and close to a quarter (23 per cent) of all motorists have had a near miss on a rural road in the past five years.
Among all road fatalities, 64 per cent** take place in rural areas and Direct Line’s findings indicate that one of the main causes of accidents on rural roads is speeding with over a quarter (26 per cent) of rural drivers admitting to exceeding the 60mph limit*.
‘Rural speeders’ gave a number of reasons for exceeding the limit with many worryingly believing that less traffic (38 per cent) and fewer pedestrians (33 per cent) makes speeding safer in the country. Lack of police presence (13 per cent), few speed cameras (14 per cent) and less speed bumps (12 per cent) were also cited as acceptable reasons for drivers to put their foot down.
Speed limit knowledge on rural roads also proves a mystery, with two out of three motorists saying they did not know the speed limits. Over half (51 per cent) say there should be more speed signs on rural roads so motorists are aware of the limit.
Consequently, 63 per cent of motorists are in favour of the driving test being revised to include tuition on how to drive on rural roads and 74 per cent believe the current speed limit is too high for some or all country roads.
One in three (36 per cent) rural motorists find driving on rural lanes difficult – a figure which rises to 48 per cent among female drivers.
Emma Holyer, Direct Line’s Motor spokesperson, said:
“With lots of people taking holidays at the time of the year country lanes are at their busiest. The majority of motorists on the country roads in summer are likely to be unfamiliar with them and they can be extremely dangerous - especially when approached at high speeds. We are reminding motorists to drive safely and watch their speeds on all rural roads in a bid to reduce the number of accidents.
“We’re also calling on the government to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph as we feel the current speed limit is too fast for narrow rural lanes.”
For more information, log on to www.directline.com.
- ends -
Emma Holyer/Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 2182 / 07894 158605
Email: emma.holyer@directline.com
Notes to Editors:
The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line car insurance by YouGov. A nationally representative sample of 2,574 GB adults were questioned online between 6th to 10th July 2006. Results are weighted to be representative of the GB adult population.
*Each year excessive and inappropriate speed helps to kill around 1,200 people and injure over 100,000 more. This is far more than any other single contributor to casualties on our roads (Source: Department for Transport).
**According to www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
Direct Line’s Top Tips for driving in rural areas:
1. Take special care when driving at night as there are no streetlights on most rural roads and other drivers’ headlights could temporarily blind you – always remember to dip your headlights when passing other vehicles.
2. Keep an eye out for passing places, as many rural roads are not wide enough for two cars to pass each other. Sound your horn on blind bends, or places where you cannot see the road ahead, to let other drivers know you are there.
3. Be aware of any wildlife that could run out in front of you. Always make sure you are able to stop quickly if you need to.
4. Remember that just because the speed limit is 60mph, you don’t have to drive at this speed. Only drive at the speed you feel safe and comfortable with.
|
