Driver Safety - Driving on Rural Roads for Left-Side Drivers
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: While driving in rural areas can often be more pleasant and less stressful than driving in urban areas, there are unique hazards in the country that drivers need to be aware of. In this subject, learners are taught how to safely share the road with wildlife, livestock, and tractors. They'll also learn how to safely approach curves, dips, and bends in the road, as well as how to safely pass other vehicles on rural roads. Note: This content is written for those who drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: While driving in rural areas can often be more pleasant and less stressful than driving in urban areas, there are unique hazards in the country that drivers need to be aware of. In this subject, learners are taught how to safely share the road with wildlife, livestock, and tractors. They'll also learn how to safely approach curves, dips, and bends in the road, as well as how to safely pass other vehicles on rural roads. Note: This content is written for those who drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Languages: English
Media Editing: The video module(s) in this subject are editable under our Content Studio offering unless otherwise indicated. For more information about Content Studio, contact your CSM.
Description: While driving in rural areas can often be more pleasant and less stressful than driving in urban areas, there are unique hazards in the country that drivers need to be aware of. In this subject, learners are taught how to safely share the road with wildlife, livestock, and tractors. They'll also learn how to safely approach curves, dips, and bends in the road, as well as how to safely pass other vehicles on rural roads. Note: This content is written for those who drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Topics
Wildlife on Rural Roads - Left-Side Drivers
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When driving in rural areas, you need to share the road with not only other vehicles, but wildlife too. Since animals don’t follow the rules of the road, it's up to you to know what to do if you see them on or beside the road. This way, you can focus on keeping yourself, your passengers, and other vehicles safe.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Be extra alert for wildlife when driving in the country, especially in areas where there are animal crossing signs. Spotting wildlife early will give you more time to react safely.
Many animals are most active at dusk and dawn, so be extra observant for wildlife during these times to help avoid a collision.
At night, most animals’ eyes will reflect your vehicle’s headlights, causing them to shine or glow, so slow down if you see them.
If you see a small animal on the road, avoid swerving around it unless the road is empty and you’re driving at a slow speed. It’s safer for you to hit the animal than swerve off the road or into oncoming traffic.
If you see an animal on the road, put on your hazard lights and slow down as safely as you can. You can also flash your headlights and honk your horn to encourage the animal to get off the road.
If an animal is crossing the road from left to right, steer towards it, to where the animal is coming from. This will help encourage the animal to quickly continue on its chosen path.
If colliding with an animal is unavoidable, slow down as much and safely as possible. If it’s a larger animal, duck down in your seat in case they crash through your windshield.
If you cannot avoid colliding with an animal, release the brakes right before the impact. The front end of your vehicle will rise and reduce the chance of the animal coming through your windshield.
After a collision with an animal, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road, if possible. Don’t approach the injured animal as they could kick, bite, or run at you. Report the accident, if necessary.
Driving in Rural Areas - Left-Side Drivers
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Country driving is often viewed as one of life’s simple pleasures. In order to get to your destination safely, it’s important that you’re aware of the hazards that you may encounter while in the country. In this topic, you’ll learn how to prepare for driving in rural areas and some of the hazards you should anticipate.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
Video module
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Pay attention to roadside signs indicating curves, hidden driveways, and bumps in the road. These hazards can be difficult to see, so it’s important to be aware of and anticipate them.
Reduce your vehicle’s speed and stay to the correct side of the road when approaching bends in the road, curves you can’t see around, or dips in the road you can’t see over. There may be oncoming traffic, slow-moving vehicles, or other hazards that you can’t see.
Pay attention to the speed limit and adjust your speed for animals or other vehicles on or near the road, like farm equipment and cyclists. There are different types of hazards on country roads so it’s important that you have enough time to react to them.
Pay attention to the type of road you’re driving on and its condition and adjust your speed accordingly. Dirt, rocks, sand, debris, and uncompacted gravel can cause the road to have less traction, making it slippery.
Leave extra space between your vehicle and tractors and agricultural equipment. These vehicles are slow, and their drivers may have limited visibility. Be patient with them and share the road.
If you need to pass a vehicle on a rural road, only do so when there is a dotted centerline, no oncoming traffic, and you can safely return to your lane before the centerline turns solid. This helps make sure you don’t collide with another vehicle.
Pay attention to signage indicating livestock crossing areas. If livestock is crossing the road ahead of you, come to a complete stop. Avoid revving your engine or honking your horn so you don’t frighten the animals.
Rural roads are typically less lit and are darker than city roads at night, so make sure to use your headlights and high beam headlights appropriately. This allows other vehicles to see you and increases your own visibility while driving.
Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel before you begin your trip. There may not be many opportunities to get fuel in rural areas and you don’t want to run out.
Make sure to keep a vehicle emergency kit and supplies in your car, like jumper cables, non-perishable food, and water. These can help keep you safe in case you break down, get stuck in bad weather, or even lost in rural areas.
