Drivers 3 Times More Likely to Die on Rural Roads

Statistics from the Department for Transport have shown that car users are three times more likely to die on a country road than an urban one.

During last year alone 1,256 people died on rural UK roads; they have therefore launched a safety campaign to target rural drivers.

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 speed limit is a maximum, not an expectation, and drivers must match their speed to the road characteristics and weather conditions they are experiencing."

David Urpeth a Partner at Irwin Mitchell said Sadly, having dealt with many cases involving injuries and death on country roads, we are all too familiar with the misery caused to victims and family following road traffic crashes.

There are many risks on country roads as they are not built for excessive speed. The statistics show that in many accidents only one car is involved , so we would stress to drivers that they need to look after themselves as much as other road users.

We fully support this campaign as we hope it will mean that we see less and less people traumatised by crashes on country roads.