Urgent review needed as rural road deaths rise

Farm groups are calling for an urgent safety review of countryside driving following a sharp rise in the number of deaths and serious injuries reported on rural roads in England, Scotland and Wales.

In 2021, there were 70% more fatalities on rural roads (981) than urban roads (576), despite rural roads seeing more than one-third (35%) fewer vehicles in a given 24-hour period.

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The government figures, analysed by NFU Mutual, illustrate the dangers of using roads in the countryside and have prompted a safety warning for farmers and contractors.

In addition to the fatalities, 9,490 people were seriously injured.

Vulnerable road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are more likely to be killed or seriously injured on rural roads per miles travelled than drivers and their passengers.

The combined figure of fatalities and serious injuries on rural roads last year (10,471) is an increase of more than 1,000 from 2020, during which several coronavirus lockdowns were in place.

An NFU Mutual rural road safety campaign, supported by the Department for Transport, British Cycling and the British Horse Society, is reminding all road users of the dangers in an effort to reduce incidents.

Rural roads are generally classified as those in less built-up areas, often in the countryside and narrow with tight bends, with the national speed limit applying over many stretches.

Analysis of claims data by the rural insurer show there are various factors that lead to death or injury, many of which are unique to rural roads.

This includes unmarked junctions or hidden entrances and drivers losing control at unanticipated tight corners, as well as increased traffic related to farming.

NFU Mutual said road collisions involving agricultural vehicles are 42% more likely during the summer harvest season.

Advice for farmers

Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, said farm vehicles such as tractors and trailers should be serviced regularly.

Efforts should also be made by farmers and contractors to minimise hazards on the road, such as a spilt load or mud that could cause obstruction or a slip hazard.

“Agricultural drivers need to be aware of these shocking statistics and be vigilant around other vulnerable road users,” Ms Hewitt told Farmers Weekly.

“It is not sufficient to assume they can take care of themselves, and we must all be aware that we are often in much larger, slow-moving vehicles that can cause catastrophic damage to vulnerable users such as cyclists, motorcyclists and horse-riders.”

Tom Price, transport adviser at the NFU, said other road users should equally be mindful of agricultural vehicles using countryside lanes.

“Drivers, and particularly cyclists and motorcyclists, should be aware and respectful of tractors and other large agricultural machinery using the rural road network,” Mr Price said.

“We would urge all drivers to anticipate potential hazards, drive at speeds that allow a clear stopping distance, stay in control and allow time to react by braking before a bend and not on it, and to be alert for wider and slow-moving vehicles such as tractors – do not get too close and only overtake when the road ahead is clear.”