Drive to the road conditions and not necessarily the speed limit

Whilst driving, the speed limit should not be seen as a target. You should always drive or ride to the road conditions and at a speed where you feel comfortable, that is safe for you and other road users and ensures that you are in full control of the vehicle.

Often on country and rural roads, there are tight/sharp bends, with the road being the national speed limit. Road users can often be alerted to these bends by signs or road markings, which are detailed in the Highway Code. Before approaching such bends, you should reduce your speed and ensure that you are travelling at a speed where you are in full control of the vehicle, and are able to react to the unexpected.

NFU Mutual has created a press release on rural roads and how these roads should be respected to help reduce casualties:

When driving in adverse weather conditions, it is important that you are aware of how this can have an impact on your driving. The stopping distance from when you apply your brakes will depend on how fast you’re going. However, your stopping distance can be doubled when braking in the rain. When you brake in snow and ice, this can make your stopping distance ten times longer.

What can we all do when driving in such weather conditions? You should leave as much space as you can from the vehicle in front, ensuring that when you need to apply the brakes, you can do so safely and with enough time. Always ensure that you are giving your full attention to the road ahead.

More information on driving to the road conditions and how this can have an impact on your driving can be found on the Highway Code: