Chapter 10 Driving in Rural Areas 10 1

Chapter 10 Driving in Rural Areas

10. 1 Characteristics of Rural Traffic

Things to think about… • 82% of all miles of roadways in the US are rural roads. • Typically less traffic • BUT… – Collisions in rural areas account for nearly twice as many highway deaths as collisions in urban areas.

Roadways • Roads are made from all different types of materials. • Paved, dirt, gravel, smooth, very poor condition… • Lack of adequate lighting • Conditions can change suddenly with little warning.

• Speed effects: Speed • Line of sight • Stopping distance • Vehicle control • Amount of damage and injury in the event of a collision • Some have speed limits of 55 mph • Some states even higher! * Always use your common sense and never drive faster than conditions permit.

Traffic Controls • Traffic controls provide advance information and warning of • Hazards that you cannot yet identify • Major intersections ahead • Unusual or hazardous conditions • Traffic channeled into reduced space

Roadside Hazards • Shoulders maybe uneven with the edge of the roadway. • Bridges, guardrails, bushes or trees may be near the road’s edge. • A steep slope might run from the shoulder down a hill or drainage ditch.

10. 2 Using Basic Skills in Rural Areas

Quiet rural traffic scene can change quickly with little or no warning!

Visual Search Pattern • 12 -15 second search range • Are we going to look farther or closer if we are driving 55 mph compared to 25 mph?

Curves • Rural roads typically have many curves. • Collisions occur on curves because speed on their approach is too great. • You typically will see a warning sign warning you to slow down because a curve or “dangerous curve” is ahead.

Hills • Unless they have very steep slopes, hills are usually not marked. • Hills restrict your line of sight. • Slowdown as you approach the crest of the hill.

10. 3 Passing and being passed on rural roads.

Deciding to pass… • Is it worth it to pass? • Is it legal to pass? • Is it safe to pass? * Consider passing if you can answer YES to all these questions!

When NOT to pass • No passing on Roads going up or down hill • No passing at intersections • Within in 100 feet before a railroad • On a 2 lane bridge or underpass • On CURVES!!!! • When the vehicle ahead is traveling at or near the posted limit

• When line of sight is limited by fog, snow, or rain • When you cannot complete a pass before the start of a no passing zone • Anytime oncoming traffic is too close • When you will be stopping or turning soon. • Only pass one vehicle at a time.

Being Passed • It is illegal to not let someone pass you! • You may NOT speed up, slow down, and/or move to the side to prevent someone from passing you.

10. 4 Rural Situations You Might Encounter

Slow-Moving Vehicles • Is a vehicle that is unable to travel at highway speed. • Not designated, nor intended, as means for personal transportation – Farm vehicles – Street cleaner – Garbage trucks • When driving at higher speed, you will rapidly approach a slow moving vehicle. • Try to identify these vehicles as early as possible.

Animals • Can easily be frightened and dart out into the middle of the road. • Hitting a large animal can damage your vehicle, and serious injury or death to you and your passengers. • Areas where large wild animals are common, reduce your speed and search a much wider area than usual.

Railroad Crossings • Usually don’t have complete controls (lights and gate) • Travel faster through rural areas! • Never cross a railroad crossing until you know it is absolutely safe! ***Remember when a vehicle and a train collide, the train always wins!