Country roads, especially in Greece, are something that we should keep an eye on when driving. Especially at this time, due to the Covid situation, travel through the provincial roads becomes necessary in a state of Lockdown. On the other hand, when the flow of things is normal, it is very pleasant for us to tour our beautiful Greece by car, or even with the motorcycle but always wearing the protective safety helmet (Unknown Myths and Realities for your faithful companion),either for a holiday in one of our unique destinations, or to visit relatives in a village. However, as we will analyze below, a lot of attention is needed.
Especially in Greece, unfortunately there are unfortunately not always the appropriate structures in order to have a safe driving in the province. The country roads, despite the fact that they offer very nice landscapes, also carry risks for which we should keep an eye on while driving (Do you know which of the 22 most dangerous country roads in the world is in Greece?).
In this article you will find the dangers you may face if you drive frequently or are about to drive on country roads. Read carefully so that you are ready the next time you travel.
Provincial Roads: Difficulties Due to Space and Lack of Care by the State
Country roads usually have a narrow width of the road surface and one lane for each route stream, so the overtaking of another vehicle on these roads becomes from difficult to impossible. It takes enormous care in order to make an overtaking on a country road, and the driving must be stable and the driver very calm and confident in his movements (If you want to know how you can overtake safely every moment click here).
In addition, many times we find agricultural machinery (tractors) at very low speeds on the country roads, so the driver who follows from behind gets tired, gets annoyed, and makes frivolous movements. If you are faced with a similar situation and decide to overtake an agricultural vehicle, then you will surely need even more attention than usual; you should not rush or make dangerous overtakings.
Perhaps the biggest issue with country roads is the lack of suitable structures (see road surface, signage, etc.) by the state. The state usually does not ensure that country roads are safe for drivers, and this may be the most common reason for road accidents. There are several signs of abandonment of road surfaces in the province, which of course increases the risks and especially in the winter months when there are frequent rainfall (Find out now what dangers hides driving on wet roads).
The quality of the roads, the constant potholes, the incomplete signage, the absence of markings, and the thrown or mostly faded signs that are inconspicuous are the basics that drivers face when driving on country roads. The state has a huge responsibility for correcting the above, and should immediately take care of and carry out new projects.
Provincial Roads: Unforeseen Risks that May Arise
As far as country roads are concerned, it is very important that one knows the area he is driving. If this is not the case, then there are some potential unforeseen risks that may occur and sometimes be fatal. For example, since there are no pedestrian crossings, it is very likely that a pedestrian will "enter" the time of driving on the roadway at an unpredictable time and space (7 basic rules to avoid a road accident with a pedestrian).
That is why, in addition to being very focused on country roads, we always need to strictly observe speed limits on country roads.
In addition, the "blind" turns and the roads that are lost are a common image on country roads, so it is much simpler and easier to drive knowing the area. Moreover, stopping on a country road is dangerous, as there is usually no corresponding emergency lane (L.E.A.), and so we have to be absolutely sure that the point we stopped is appropriate, and that the cars passing through can see us and reduce speed in order to overtake us safely. Visibility is very important, and it is not only about the stop but also of course the overtaking, which is why we never overtake other cars in blind spots.
Finally, country roads also become dangerous in relation to animals. Many times, an animal may be "thrown" in the street and we may be bewildered, agitated and frozen. Huge attention is needed in this regard. Animals can pop up from every point, which is why it is imperative that when driving on country roads, we drive defensively.
Remember that a frightened animal that comes out on a country road will usually return to the point where it started by making a change. That's why it's very important not to overtake it from behind, but to brake and press the horn as fast as we can.
Useful tip: We always pass the animals from the side that "sees" their head, so that it can also see us and we can control our driving. Otherwise there can be painful consequences for everyone.
When we travel on Country Roads, beyond Enjoyment Wants and Attention!
Overall, huge attention is needed when traveling on country roads, as the risks are many and different. We all like to travel and we all want to get to our destination quickly. But we must always keep in mind that safety comes first and that it actually precedes pleasure. If we want to enjoy our route and journey, we must first arrive safely at our destination.
As you would read above, the country roads need stable driving at low speeds and not "frivolous movements or in simple words magpies" which can later cost money. We need to be careful since we know that the state is not our ally in this trip because the role of the state in reducing road accidents on country roads is huge.
Finally, a driver should always be rested and calm when preparing to drive long distances on country roads. Only in this way will he be sure that the trip will be both safe and enjoyable.
If you want to know which drugs are prohibited while driving and how much they can affect your ability to drive click here (12 Categories of drugs you don't want to know how much they can affect your driving ability).
