Poor road conditions could pose a barrier to rural living, survey finds

The research comes during the most dangerous time of year on the UK’s rural roads, as high volumes of agricultural traffic during the busy harvest season significantly increases the risk of collisions.

Latest claims data from NFU Mutual shows that collisions between agricultural vehicles and other road users were 52% more likely between the start of May and the end of September 2022 than in any other months.

On average, there were 423 of these accidents per month during the silage cutting, hay making and harvesting season, compared to 249 per month between October and April.

As well as an increase in agricultural traffic, the summer months also coincide with the school holidays and a greater amount of leisure traffic, with road users not necessarily used to rural roads, further increasing the risk of accidents.

Andrew Chalk, rural road safety specialist at NFU Mutual, calls for greater awareness and respect from all rural road users during this period of increased agricultural traffic.

“Rural roads come with unique hazards, including narrow lanes, fewer road markings and often less well-maintained surfaces. NFU Mutual’s new research shows that a significant number of people are uncomfortable on rural roads, and sadly this is only more acute as agricultural machinery traffic increases in summer.

“Agricultural vehicles are generally large, wide and slow, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital that you remain patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so – when you can see a clear road ahead, there a no field openings, and you have space to pass,” he advised.

“Farmers and contractors cannot drive too quickly, but they will generally either be going a short distance to an adjacent field or will – and should – pull over to allow built-up traffic to pass. Motorists and cyclists should be patient, give agricultural vehicles room to turn and not drive too closely to them, which can be dangerous and can obstruct your view before overtaking.”

Mr Chalk went on to highlight that rural roads are “vital arteries” for the agricultural industry, allowing farmers to transport harvest which helps feed the nation. He urged mutual respect from all rural road users to ensure those more vulnerable – motorists, cyclists, horse riders and walkers – are kept safe this harvesting season.

NFU Mutual’s guide to respecting rural roads

The rural insurer has released a detailed guide for keeping rural roads safe in the months ahead.

All road users 

• Give plenty of space when overtaking. Vulnerable road users, such as walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists, should be given as much room as motorists where possible.
• Always check for other road users, particularly at the entrance of fields and junctions.
• Be patient with fellow road users and only overtake when it is safe for all road users.
• Consider where you park to avoid blocking field entrances or obstructing the road for wide agricultural machinery, such as combine harvesters, as they will often need to drive across two lanes.
• Be aware of mud on the road. Rural roads are essential to our farming industry and therefore some mud will be dragged from fields to the road.
• Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions like looking at your phone or listening to music through headphones, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.

Farmers

• Ensure all equipment is road worthy and pay particular care to things like trailers which may not have been used for months. Check brakes and indicators and make sure you have reflectors and a beacon for your vehicle. Use the Tilly Checklist to inspect your trailer.
• Be aware of vulnerable road users or hidden junctions, making contractors aware of these junctions and commonly-used walking, cycling and riding routes.
• Familiarise yourself and your contractors with the speed limits for your vehicles.
• If your agricultural vehicles leave mud in the road, remember to clean it up.
• When turning, indicate in plenty of time and check more than once for road users on your inside.
• Be respectful to fellow road users, but only allow them to pass when it is safe to pull over.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

• Speed limits are not targets. Always drive appropriately and remember rural roads are likely to have hazards such as tighter carriageways, blind corners, and animals in the road.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders should consider wearing appropriate clothing which enables them to be seen.