IAM offers countryside driving advice

IAM offers countryside driving advice

With the sun finally making an appearance in many parts of the country and it being National Drive It Day this weekend, many motorists will be keen to get out and about on the UK's roads this weekend.

Much of this driving is likely to take place in the countryside, with this sort of location full of beauty spots and enjoyable roads. But the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has urged drivers to remain careful.

The organisation has released a series of tips for people to follow if they plan on getting behind the wheel in the countryside any time shortly, or indeed over the summer months.

First and foremost, the company has called on motorists to always ensure that they can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road.

What this means is that drivers won't need to significantly reduce their speed when it comes to approaching bends. The organisation has also urged drivers to only accelerate when they can see enough clear road.

Furthermore, the IAM believes that people need to be aware that more vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and horses, are more likely to be present on such roads.

People should ensure they give them plenty of space when driving close to them.

Other tips include using the line of hedges or trees as a guide when on winding rural roads and driving with a good deal extra care when near to apparently isolated properties.

The IAM's chief examiner, Peter Rodger, said: "Driving on rural roads requires different skills than driving on urban roads.

"The unexpected hazards, twisty roads and high speed limits make rural roads tricky, so take extra care and adjust your speed to match how far down the road you can see.

"A skillful drive on a country road can be an especially enjoyable one – it’s worth the effort."

Finally, drivers need to take care when driving through or near to mud and, if an animal jumps out, they should avoid swerving dramatically.