Escape Inner City Madness With a Trip to the Countryside

Having spent a hectic week in the rat race of city life, where traffic jams and bad tempered people are in abundance, few could deny the pleasures of facing the long, open road and lush countryside.

Recreational driving is not only a great way to unwind after the stresses of the week, but it can also be an excellent chance to explore the unknown with all its offerings of animal life, castles, country houses and beautiful scenery. Whichever country you are in, there is an abundance to see and do, and driving through the countryside can offer an unparalleled opportunity to view the world first-hand.

However, when driving in rural areas, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration, which differ greatly from the rules of city driving.

For instance, it is not that common to come across a flock of sheep or herd of cows in inner city traffic, yet when driving in the country the sight is not so unusual. It is therefore wise to think carefully about where you will be driving and factor in the possibility that you could, at some point, run into animals that are not used to motor vehicles. Rolling down the window to shout at said animals usually has no effect and it is better to exercise a degree of patience with them until they have moved on.

According to research, two main factors of road deaths and injuries in the countryside are speeding and driving whilst tired. Tiredness is usually due to the fact that people are driving longer distances than they are otherwise used to, says the research.

However, tempting as it might be, high speed driving is extremely dangerous — and illegal, regardless of where you drive — and it is very easy to lose control, particularly when careering along a narrow country road. What’s more, unfamiliarity with the route, animals in the road and road surfaces are very different to those in the city are all potential hazards on country roads — regardless of whether you drive at speed or not.

The findings also suggest that in order to avoid having an accident, it is advisable to get plenty of rest before undertaking a long journey and that you should start your trip early so that you are not driving in darkness. It is also sensible to take a break every couple of hours; with so much to see, this should not be too hard a task!

Nevertheless, even the most careful and conscientious of drivers have accidents and it is consequently very important to make sure you have a car insurance policy — a mandatory requirement of driving in the UK, whether in the city or countryside.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.