PRESS RELEASE

9 October 2014

GEM offers five-point guide for staying safe on rural roads

ROAD SAFETYorganisation GEM Motoring Assist is responding to today's news that three people are dying in the UK every day in collisions on rural roads.

In the past year, 862 people have died in collisions on rural roads in England alone, according to the Department for Transport.

GEM chief executive David Williams MBE comments: "It's disturbing to note that such a high proportion of fatalities occur on rural roads, but it's no surprise, given the variation in road types, terrain and visibility, and the variety of different road users sharing the same space.

"Crashes occur frequently because motorists meet unexpected hazards such as sharp bends, animals or oncoming traffic. If they're already driving at an inappropriate speed, then they simply won't have the time and space they need to stop safety. In these circumstances, a serious collision is inevitable.

"The key message is slow down. Vast stretches of the rural road network are subject to the national speed limit, which for cars and motorbikes is 60mph. But that's not a target, and it's often reckless to drive on a rural road at anywhere near that speed."

GEM has complied a five-point guide for safety on rural roads:

• Slow down. Always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear ahead.

• Take nothing for granted. However familiar you may be with a stretch of rural road, always expect the unexpected as you negotiate a bend or hill brow. Be ready to slow right down or stop if you have to.

• Look out for animals, and give them plenty of space. Be ready to pull over and switch off your engine, to prevent alarming a nervous horse or farm animal.

• If overtaking, leave nothing to chance. Don't start your manoeuvre until you know exactly how you will end it.

• Take in and use the information that's there for you. Signs and road paint indicate hazards ahead. Mud on the road might mean slow-moving tractors. Horse manure, especially if it's fresh, suggests horses ahead.

There is a specific page on GEM's website focusing on rural road safety (www.motoringassist.com/motoring-advice/driving-tips-and-advice/general-driving-tips/driving-rural-roads/)

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.

-Ends-

Notes for editors

GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. All GEM policies also include free Accident Management, so members are also fully covered in this area. 

GEM provides a unique, comprehensive and competitively-priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service. GEM has also been voted number one for Breakdown Cover in the 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Auto Express Driver Power Survey, and runners-up in 2012 and 2009. 

GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of The Guild of Experienced Motorists, established in 1932, as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM's aim is to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to provide motoring and safety information to its own members. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice and discounts on insurances and other services. 

Press information: David Williams MBE, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, is available for comment on 01342-825676 (office) or 07711450560 (mobile).  David Williams was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to road safety. Alternatively you can emailpress@motoringassist.comfor any further information.