Essex Police launch Summer Road Safety campaign
They say rural roads might have few driving restrictions... but that doesn't mean you should take your eye off the wheel
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
Essex Police are urging us all to drive with care this summer... all part of their latest campaign.
#SummerRoadSafetyEssex is said to help tackle the issues affecting the safety of all road users - and to keep roads across the region moving.
With rural roads giving many the chance to let their hair down and enjoy the great outdoors, we do still need to drive with care - especially as they're free from driving restrictions.
Speeding along any road is illegal, but country roads pose more of a problem with bends that makes seeing what’s up ahead difficult or impossible.
The police advise us all to slow down on approach, giving you extra time to see what lies ahead as danger could be lurking around the bend.
With the introduction of the Hierarchy of Road Users this year, pedestrians, two-wheel vehicles and horses are placed at the top, showing they are more vulnerable.
Watch out for people enjoying a country walk, a rider exercising a horse or a cyclist taking in the views - and with farmers moving animals between fields at certain times of the year, that's especially important when you can't see what's around the corner.
Use caution when passing: it may be tempting to overtake a slow-moving farm vehicle, but make sure that the section of road is suitable to do so and watch out for adjoining roads where emerging cars could pose an additional risk.
Stopping to have a picnic, ride an e-scooter or parking up in a field could damage crops and affect the farmer’s livelihood. If you want to do similar activities, make sure you have the farmer’s permission beforehand.
Each year, 20% of drink drive related collisions take place on rural roads, but they have the highest severity ratio, with 40% resulting in death or serious injury.
The police's message is simple: keep you, your passengers and other road users safe, and don't drink and drive.