A new analysis of Department for Transport collision data by Ageas reveals that rural roads pose a safety risk nearly 10 times greater than urban roads, with the danger increasing during the summer months. The study found that crashes on rural roads are almost 10 times more likely to be fatal than those on urban roads, and the proportion of collisions on country roads peaks in August at 38.1 per cent of all recorded road collisions.
Rural roads: a hidden danger for summer drivers
Jonathan Price, Managing Director for the direct business at Ageas UK, explained that summer often leads drivers to explore unfamiliar routes via sat navs, which can reroute them onto narrow, winding rural roads. He noted that while country roads may feel less intimidating than busy town centres, they are less forgiving due to higher speed limits, sharp bends, hidden junctions, and limited opportunities to recover from mistakes.
Price emphasised that the message is not to avoid rural roads entirely, but to recognise the change in driving environment. He advised slowing down for bends, being aware of cyclists, walkers, horse riders, and farm vehicles, and allowing plenty of time for journeys.
Vulnerable road users at higher risk
The study also highlighted the risks to pedestrians and cyclists on rural roads. Drivers may unexpectedly encounter walkers who have left footpaths to travel by road, especially on narrow, bendy roads without footpaths. In 2019, 60 cyclists were killed on rural roads compared to 40 on urban roads, according to Ageas.
Infrastructure shortcomings increase danger
Many rural roads suffer from poor road surface conditions and limited crash protection, such as crash barriers, often due to space constraints. Rumble strips, which alert motorists of their position on the road, are frequently absent on single carriageways, reducing an effective crash prevention measure.
