Suffolk's farmers and holiday-makers urged to show "mutual respect" on the roads
Research shows that just under a third of people living in the countryside, are worried that the quality of rural roads
Last updated 14th Jul 2023
A rural insurance group is urging Suffolk's farmers and holiday-makers to show "mutual respect" on the roads- this summer
Research by NFU Mutual shows that just under a third of people living in the countryside, are worried that the quality of rural roads presents a barrier to them.
While crashes between farm vehicles and other drivers were 52% more likely between May and September, last year.
On average, there were 423 of these accidents per month during the silage cutting, hay making, and harvesting season, compared to 249 per month between October and April.
"It's a place of work and leisure at this time of the year"
Andrew Chalk is rural road safety specialist at NFU Mutual:
"People are generally less confident on rural roads. They are narrower, they've got sharper bends, they've haven't got all the road markings. I don't think it's a case of rural roads being worse than urban roads- regarding potholes.
"Generally May to September is a time that's very busy for farmers. They're harvesting and it's really important that they take advantage of the good weather- when it comes along. It's also the time when people are going out to enjoy the country-side. So it's a place of work and leisure at this time of the year.
"It's also about knowing how to deal with it"
"Obviously they'll always be accidents. But if everyone knows how to deal with it and can appreciate that their journey on a rural road might take a bit longer- than they hoped. They can alter their behaviour and make sure that they are not taking unnecessary risks in an effort to save a few minutes.
"It's also about knowing how to deal with it. If you come up to a horse for example, slowing down and taking your time- so you don't spook them. With farm traffic, it's all about giving yourself time to pass and don't go too close to it, because you can see the corners in front of you- and you aren't causing unnecessary dangers.
NFU Mutual's advice to those using rural roads during this year’s harvest season:
• Give plenty of space when overtaking. Vulnerable road users, such as walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists, should be given as much room as motorists where possible.
• Always check for other road users, particularly at the entrance of fields and junctions.
• Be patient with fellow road users and only overtake when it is safe for all road users.
• Consider where you park to avoid blocking field entrances or obstructing the road for wide agricultural machinery, such as combine harvesters, as they will often need to drive across two lanes.
• Be aware of mud on the road. Rural roads are essential to our farming industry and therefore some mud will be dragged from fields to the road.