SGI’s August Traffic Safety Spotlight is on rural roads.

The company says these roads can be a challenge to navigate for some drivers, especially those who don’t drive them every day.

There are more than 3,000 collisions on rural roads each year, resulting in 514 injuries and 25 deaths annually, on average.

Darcy McKay, STARS critical care flight paramedic and director, provincial operations says, “Rural roads present different dangers for drivers. That’s why obeying speed limits and using extra caution is so important.”

SGI TIPS:

Slow down. 
Even the best-maintained gravel roads can have rough sections or loose gravel, which require slower speeds.

Stay back. 
Leave at least a six-second following distance between other vehicles. It could take longer to stop, and an appropriate following distance can help prevent stone chips.

Only pass when necessary and safe to do so. 
Make sure the pass is legal and safe. Do not pass on the crest of a hill, before a curve, at intersections, or where visibility is limited.

Stay on the beaten path.
When driving on gravel, drive in the tire tracks already on the road when possible.

Never drive impaired.
This goes for all roads, of course, but impaired driving causes an average of 12 fatalities on rural roads each year*, often from single vehicle collisions.

Pay attention.

Drivers on rural roads are also more likely to encounter railway crossings, crossroads, t-intersections, farm entrances, wildlife, livestock, and farm vehicles, which all require extra attention.

Keep your eyes peeled.
Dust can greatly decrease your visibility on rural roads. Leave enough room between your vehicle and the one ahead so you can react appropriately.

Always buckle up.
Seatbelts reduce your risk of death or serious injury in a collision by half. Protect yourself by always wearing your seatbelt.