It is fun to drive on highways, but one finds it quite challenging when it comes to narrow roads. The country roads are beautiful and dangerous at the same time. If you have lived in the countryside, then you’ll know all the roads well, every twist and turn.

Even the most skilled and experienced ones can make many mistakes while driving on narrow roads for many drivers. One of the many common concerns of most drivers is backing up. You’ll need adequate skills and experience to reverse your vehicle on narrow lanes safely. You could join driving classes to gain the expertise. Visit ltrent.com.au for more info. They have been in the industry for a long and have trained thousands to drive safely on any road and in any climatic condition.

In this post, we’ve discussed some of the tips to help you drive safely, even at the sharpest bends on the country roads. Read on:

Be watchful during rains and other tricky conditions

The main problem with driving in monsoons is aquaplaning. It is the buildup of the water layer between the road and the tires. If you are speeding under those conditions, there are chances of sideways movements, which will make it difficult for you to control the vehicle.

Besides the harsh weather conditions, there could be other situations that could lead to the skidding of tires. It could be due to wet mud, moist leaves, oil spill, etc. The best way to tackle these conditions is by going easy on the accelerator and maintaining slower speed, allowing for better control and maneuvering. As a driver, you will have to watch these situations even if you are familiar with the road. Unfortunately, you might come across such difficult driving conditions when you least expect them.

Respect animals

Often on country roads, one can easily spot kangaroos crossing the road. With dairy farms, houses, yards, and working fields around, other domestic animals or livestock can also be in the vicinity, and thus you must drive respectfully. When you see an animal walking on the road towards your vehicle, immediately stop the car engine. Animals get startled by the car engine noise and can damage your vehicle in panic.

Speed

A number of country or narrow roads have a blind corner, which has no path for pedestrians or cyclists. That is why the drivers need to be extra cautious and take all the necessary precautions. Roads are used by motorists and cyclists, pedestrians, farm vehicles, horse riders, and other animals. A speeding motorist needs to consider all these factors to avoid car crashes, as they could lose control. Therefore, driving at a sensible speed is quite important while passing through narrow roads.

Driving at a constant speed, you need to be careful at the concealed tight corners. Animals can wander on the country road for food or exploring new places at any time during night or day. To keep yourself, your vehicle, and others using the road safely, drives slowly.

Using Brakes before Bend

Most people apply brakes at the bend. This could be dangerous driving. An educated motorist will break before any turn. This is because you cannot be seen what is on the other side of the turn, especially if it’s a narrow and sharp turn. When the drivers are slow, they get enough time to react to what’s coming from the other side of the turn.

Importance of Lane Positioning

Many country roads don’t have the markings. Thus, the driver needs to make sure that they stay on the left-hand side of the country unmarked road. You might also need to stop or slow down your car when you see other trucks or large vehicles coming from the other direction.

Horn Whenever Needed

Motorists can use car horns to caution others about their presence while in a moving vehicle on the narrow lane. You can also use your car horn to alarm other road users from opposite sides while at blind corners. You can avoid dangerous clashes by warning the traffic at blind corners. This will ensure your safety as well as theirs.

While driving on their usual routes, drivers tend to move too fast as they are quite sure that no one else will be there on the road. However, using horn around the corners always prove to be useful.

Eyes Forward

It is quite shocking how in a fraction of a second, while checking the mirrors, your car can drift off the road or over the median strip. It would help if you kept your eyes in front while driving. Answering calls or checking your phone, or texting while driving on a narrow road can be deadly.

Make sure that you put your phone aside while driving. Thus, before you sit behind the wheel, make sure you have everything that you might need within your reach. Keep your head cool and stay alert all the time while driving on narrow and small roads.

While driving on small roads, the driver has to deal with many curves and twists, which restricts their vision. Thus, staying focused at a reasonable speed will help to avoid collision in all situations.

Car Maintenance

You need to ensure that your car is in top condition while driving on narrow roads, as you’ll need to sensibly respond to different kinds of circumstances like hitting wild animals or getting stuck in bad weather. So before you are hitting the country roads, let your mechanic have a good look at the brakes, tires, lights, shock absorbers, wipers, and engine.

Wider Space in Front of the Car

It would help if you had a wider front while reversing on small roads. This allows the front wheels to turn in wider directions when compared to the rear easily. Also, make sure that you have the right types of equipment like a 360-camera, which will highlight the blind spots. Finally, paying attention to controlling your vehicle will help you easily reverse without getting stuck in an odd position or hitting a wall or another vehicle.

To conclude, even if you know the country roads well, there is no harm in being vigilant and careful at all times.