Narrow lanes are common on rural roads. While country roads are intended for cars, many large trucks travel these narrow two-lane roads; truck drivers use them as shortcuts when traffic is backed up in order to save time and make it to their next destination on schedule. When big rigs traverse these roads, motorists sharing these rural roads are put at greater risk.
The risks of rural roads include:
- Unexpected hazards. When drivers are surprised by an unexpected hazard such as an object in the road or an animal crossing the road, it can lead to a crash.
- Distracted driving. When drivers participate in texting while driving or other types of distracted driving, it could cause them to be involved in a head-on collision.
- Taking a turn too fast. When drivers take a bend in the road at higher speeds, it can cause them to lose control and cross over the center line or drive off the road.
- Not knowing the road. When drivers aren’t aware of the turns in the road or traffic patterns, it can cause drivers the inability to anticipate the road ahead.
When a truck driver takes a bend in the road too fast or drives while distracted, his truck can cross the line and crash into a smaller vehicle. Because the roads are narrow and there is often no shoulder, there is no place for a driver to hide when a large truck crosses the center line. Sadly, rural road collisions with trucks are generally fatal.
In order to stay safe while driving on a two-lane road, it is important to stay alert, not drive too fast for the conditions, and avoid driving distracted.
