Different driving conditions pose different challenges to drivers. To stay safe, you should be familiar with the unique challenges in your area and make sure you are prepared.
Rural roads can have a number of issues and obstacles that drivers do not face in urban areas, from unpaved surfaces to farm animals wandering into traffic. Certainly, rural roads offer some of the most beautiful views and enjoyable drives since there usually isn’t much traffic. However, it’s still important to take special precautions before venturing out on these roads, particularly if you’re used to driving in the city.
Getting familiar with the challenges you can may encounter on rural roads can help you stay safe. Some tips to keep in mind include:
1. Keep your distance from farm equipment.
You may come across tractors, farming combines, and ATVs on the roads in rural areas. If you’re in a region with an Amish community, you may even encounter horse-drawn carriages. All these vehicles have every right to be on the road, even if you think it’s strange to see farming equipment heading down a paved lane. When you come across these vehicles, give them plenty of room. Often, drivers of these vehicles will have limited visibility and will expect people to give them space.
If you need to pass one of these vehicles, give yourself a lot of time and space to maneuver safely. Always be courteous to these vehicles—tailing them will only stress you out and anger the other driver. These vehicles likely drive the roads more often than you, so respect their right to do so.
2. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape.
When driving in rural areas, you may be far away from a mechanic or auto shop. For this reason, it is important to get your vehicle checked before heading to a rural area. This is especially important because rural areas often have unpaved and bumpy stretches that can put stress on your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle can handle it by inspecting tires, filters, and even wiper blades prior to your trip. Visibility is key, so replace wipers if they are showing signs of wear. A high-quality blade like Trico is an excellent choice. In addition, be sure to check fluid levels and top everything off prior to heading to the country. Keep your fuel tank full and refill often in case you find yourself far from a station.
3. Prepare some emergency supplies.
Just in case an emergency happens, be sure to have some key supplies on hand. This type of preparation is especially important when driving in a rural area in winter, since help may be hours away in some cases, or the roads may become unpassable. Some items to have on hand include water, nonperishable food, blankets, flares, and a flashlight. It’s also helpful to have jumper cables and a first aid kit just in case. In addition, make sure that the emergency equipment that came with your vehicle is in good working order. Your spare should have adequate tire pressure and the jack should be greased just in case you end up needing to change one out.
4. Be cautious of livestock on the roads.
In many rural areas, farm animals may wander across the road. Usually, road signs are placed to mark these areas and warn drivers that they need to use caution, but not always. As a rule of thumb, you should always drive expecting to see cows or other animals up ahead.
Deer can be a huge hazard too. Hitting a deer at speed—even a doe, which is smaller than a buck—can severely damage your vehicle or even total it. Deer have also caused fatal collisions, usually when the driver swerves to avoid the animal and crashes.
If you come across a group of livestock crossing the road, come to a complete stop and wait patiently until they clear the roadway. Avoid doing anything that could startle the animals, like revving the engine or honking the horn. You could cause the animals to panic and put your vehicle’s safety at risk.
5. Watch your speed closely.
Often, country roads have fairly low speed limits. Some drivers ignore them and choose to speed if it looks like they’re the only ones on the road. However, the problem with this is that it reduces your ability to see hazards up ahead, such as livestock or deer.
Rural roads are often full of hidden driveways as well. If you are on a road that is especially curvy or hilly, it can be difficult to see these driveways until you are right on top of them. As a result, you could risk hitting another vehicle pulling onto the roadway or even a person walking down the driveway. Respect the posted speed limit and pay attention to what’s ahead.
6. Pay attention to changing conditions.
Rural roads can present drivers with frequent changes in conditions and it is important to think ahead and pay close attention to signs. For example, roads may become unpaved for a stretch, which means you need to slow down and pay attention to mud, gravel, and other obstacles.
The temperature can also drop quickly in some regions, so any moisture on the roads can freeze and become icy quickly. Pay attention to the weather to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Rural areas may additionally have unique challenges, such as one-lane bridges. In this situation, you need to slow down and yield to any other driver that may arrive at the bridge first.