What are the Dangers of Driving on Narrow Roads?
Navigating your way around Australia’s narrow country roads can be scary, especially if you’re a new driver. Blind corners, sharp turns, and narrow lanes are all factors you must take into consideration. Typically, a narrow road can cause a crash in different ways, from single-vehicle wrecks to multiple vehicle collisions and getting stuck due to a barrier on the road.Â
At LTrent Driving School, we know what it takes to create super-competent drivers. We value your experience, so our world-class instructors will give you the confidence to feel comfortable while driving on any road in Australia.
What are the Causes of Narrow Road Collisions?
Narrow lane accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons. Here are the five most common ones:Â
- Poor visibility due to high walls or certain weather conditions like heavy rains or snow
- Mud build-ups that can make the road slippery
- Complacency
- Over-speeding on a bend or corner
- Concealed entry points
Tips for Driving on Tight, Narrow Roads
Respect People and Animals
Most rural roads have no pavements, meaning you should be aware of people, livestock, and wild animals using the same road. Drive carefully—for instance, if you meet a horse coming towards your direction or cattle crossing the road, slow down or stop to give way. Animals are often frightened by the roar of vehicle engines, and this can cause panic resulting in car damage or physical harm.
Use Your Horn Appropriately
A horn is a great tool when driving on a narrow road. You should use it appropriately while on the road, particularly if you’re in a blind spot, to alert others of your presence. You can avoid an unnecessary incident just by using your horn to warn traffic coming towards you to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
Be Aware of Your Surrounding
No matter how responsible you are, sometimes it’s difficult to avoid an accident on a narrow road when a careless driver approaches you. However, it’s essential to take care and be aware of your surroundings to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. Narrow road hazards to be aware of include;
- Potholes
- Horse riders
- Cyclists and Pedestrians
- Farm trucks and vehicles
- Work zones with unpredictable changes
Keep Your Car in Top Condition
Before hitting the road on a narrow lane, you first want to check the condition of your car. Make sure everything is working correctly (from the brakes to the engine, tyres, and the horn) to ensure a safe drive. Remember that if the vehicle develops a mechanical problem on the way, it will be extremely hard to fix whilst on the road.
Learn Superiors Driving Skills at LTrent
Driving on narrow lanes can be dangerous, especially if you’re not an experienced driver. If you’re looking to learn to drive quickly, enroll at LTrent Driving School for a safer drivers course. We offer driving classes, intensive lessons, and refresher lessons to help drivers remain safe on the road.