Drivers are urged to drive carefully on rural roads as the majority of all fatalities (64%) occur on rural roads, and over 15,000 people were killed or seriously injured last year on rural roads.

However a recent survey revealed that drivers on rural roads are driving with less care than on urban roads. In particular:

	Younger (17-28 year olds) and inexperienced drivers (driving for less than a year) are taking the most risks with almost one in ten of those surveyed admitting they think it's safer to break the speed limit on rural roads due to the lack of cars around
	A third (33%) of all younger drivers are also confident that fewer crashes take place on rural roads because they are quieter
	13% of men questioned agreed that it was safer to break the speed limit on rural roads due to the lack of cars around as opposed to only 2% of women
	Almost double (40%) the amount of men than women (24%) thought that fewer crashes take place on rural roads because they are quieter
	Over twice (21%) as many men as women (10%) think it's safe to drive faster on rural roads late at night because they believe you'll see headlights coming the other way as well as almost a quarter (22%) of younger drivers

	Don't think it's safe to break the speed limit on rural roads just because there is less traffic. There are unforeseen hazards, such as blind bends or animals in the road that could lead to crashes. At slower speeds, you would be able to react to these unforeseen hazards more quickly
	Take special care when driving at night on rural roads as other drivers' headlights could temporarily blind you.
	You need to adjust your speed and driving according to the weather and road conditions on rural roads, as rain and other hazards are often contributory factors in rural crashes. Select the following link for our winter driving advice
	With a clear road ahead you may be tempted to put your foot down. But THINK! Before you start to speed on rural roads.

Remember: Slow down, adjust your driving to meet weather conditions and the lighting; roads may become slippery due to debris left behind from farm vehicles.