Calls for speed limits to be slashed on rural roads to deal with dangerous drivers – ‘Concerning!’

More than half of British motorists are putting themselves at risk by diverting onto dangerous rural roads to avoid motorway congestion, new research has uncovered.

A study found that 51 per cent of drivers have abandoned motorways in favour of country lanes when faced with traffic jams over the past twelve months.

The concerning trend comes as drivers increasingly seek alternative routes to avoid lengthy delays, with over 83 per cent of motorists reporting journey extensions of more than 30 minutes due to congestion in the past year.

These diversions onto rural roads are particularly worrying as these routes often feature narrow lanes, poor road surfaces, and hazardous blind bends.

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The findings are part of the 2024 IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Report, which highlights growing concerns about driver behaviour in response to traffic congestion. Data from the Department for Transport shows nearly 1,000 deaths occurring on these routes annually.

In comparison, there were just 84 deaths on motorways and 273 on urban roads in 2023.

Despite many rural roads falling under the national speed limit of 60mph, they present unique hazards including varying traffic speeds, cyclists, and farm vehicles.

The risks have prompted widespread support for safety measures, with 64 per cent of those surveyed backing a reduction in rural single carriageway speed limits to 50mph.

Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, said: “It is extremely concerning but somewhat understandable that more than half of motorists are diverting onto country lanes to avoid traffic jams.

“Many people lead busy lives, and it’s not surprising that they are trying to save time by picking another route.”

He warned that national speed limits could mislead drivers into a false sense of security on these roads and called for a review of speed limits on rural routes.

Lyes also urged the Government to consider expanding capacity on congested parts of the strategic road network.

With the festive season approaching, he advised: “People should be mindful of congestion and poor weather conditions and plan ahead to avoid travelling in peak times.”

He emphasised that proper training and awareness can help mitigate the increased risks on rural roads and help all road users.

The research also revealed concerning patterns of risky behaviour among drivers trying to avoid delays.

Nearly a third (27 per cent) of the 2,000 people surveyed admitted to performing dangerous U-turns in the middle of roads to beat traffic jams.

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Even more worryingly, one in ten drivers confessed to running red lights in an attempt to save time, while a smaller proportion (eight per cent) reported blocking intersections after proceeding through lights that had turned red.

Driver frustration also manifests in aggressive behaviour, with over a third using their horns to pressure drivers ahead to hurry up.