RURAL DRIVING

Secondary roads in remote and/or rural areas may present hazards that drivers accustomed to travel on urban and suburban roadways may not be aware of. Extra caution is required when driving on “country roads” because they are often not designed for efficient high-speed travel like urban roadways. Whether you are driving on a rural road out of necessity or to experience scenic vistas, you should take special precautions.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF RURAL, COUNTRY, OR FOREST ROADS

• Lack of signs or accurate maps
  
• Blind curves
  
• Sometimes narrower than normal lane width
  
• Soft or no shoulder or guard rails
  
• Road surface might be less maintained, more damaged
  
• Obstacles on the road like farm equipment or animals
  
• Roads can have steeper hills, valleys, and sharper curves
  

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DRIVING RURAL ROADS

NAVIGATION
You can easily become lost and possibly end up on difficult or dangerous roads when traveling in rural areas.

• Carry a compass and/or GPS when traveling to remote areas on rural roads.
•  Be sure someone knows where you have gone and when you are expected back so they can notify authorities if you don’t return or check in within a reasonable amount of time after your expected return time.
  

BLIND CURVES & DIPS
Rural roads can have sharp curves and can follow the topography of the landscape, resulting in hills and valleys.

• Stay to the far right and reduce your speed when approaching a blind or sharp curve.
  
• Watch the road character carefully for unexpected dips.
  
• Reduce your speed when approaching a hill crest or valley.
  

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STEEP GRADES
Rural roads may be steeper for safety and may follow the terrain in the area.  Excessive use of brakes can result in overheating and eventual failure.  Skidding may occur more easily, especially when towing.

• When descending a long or particularly steep grade shift the vehicle into a low gear to reduce the need to use the brakes.
  
• On more level stretches of a long grade, avoid using brakes to let them cool.
  
• If towing, or if the road may have sharp curves, maintain a lower speed than normal to allow stopping without skidding.
  

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Always prepare for any road trips. Carry food and water and have some basic tools, and you should be able to enjoy every road trip taken.