Government highlights rural road risks

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Death rate three times higher than urban roads
Drivers speed on empty rural roads
Motorists urged to be aware of sudden hazards

Drivers are being urged to take more care on rural roads

Latest News

The Government has launched a campaign to highlight the fact motorists are three times more likely to be killed on a rural road than on an urban one.

In 2006, there were 1256 fatalities on rural roads, and 325 of these were attributed to motorists speeding or driving too fast for the conditions.

As a result, motorists are being urged to watch their speed, even on the quietest rural roads.

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: 'Driving on rural roads can be deceiving. It is important that motorists drive with as much care on a rural road as they would in a more built-up area.

'The national 60mph limit is a maximum, not an expectation, and drivers must match their speed to the road characteristics and weather conditions, as well as taking into account unpredictable hazards such as sharp bends or animals.'