Helpful Driving Information

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Driving conditions in rural areas differ from those in city areas, primarily because there is less traffic. Yet rural areas can be twice as dangerous as their city counterparts—nearly twice as many highway deaths occur in rural areas.

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

On open highways, be aware of the following hazards and driving challenges:
1. Unmarked field and farm driveways and entrances: these unmarked roads are often hidden because of crops, bushes, or trees. Always keep a lookout for potential hazards like hidden driveways or farm field entrances, as they can become “instant intersections.”

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Always reduce your speed when driving through rural areas. Even at slower speeds, you should remain alert—the danger of a vehicle pulling from the side of the highway into traffic is very high in rural areas.

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

2. Livestock crossing areas and farm vehicles: when driving in rural areas you must be wary of things such as tractors, farm trucks, and farm animals in the roadway. Always be alert and keep a lookout for any animals crossing the highway. If you encounter a herd of animals on a highway, stop and let the animals cross. Once they are gone, proceed with caution.

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

3. Rough road conditions: rural highways are rough roads designed for slower speeds. These roads are paved with various materials like concrete, asphalt, crushed stone, etc. Fresh tar is often spread over gravel when patching the rural roadways. Proceed with care to avoid throwing tar on your vehicle and stay back from any traffic in front of you to avoid flying gravel.

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Most open highways in rural areas are maintained less frequently and lack the advanced features of modern freeways. In some places, these highways may not be paved. Dirt roads are common in many rural areas.

AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

4. Roadside stands and gas stations: drivers on rural highways encounter many additional hazards as the highway passes through small communities. Roadside stands, gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, rural attractions, and local events are often found on the side of the highway.
5. Soft and unmarked shoulders: be aware of unmarked and soft shoulders on open highways.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Two common effects of driving on open highways are velocitation and highway hypnosis.
Velocitation is a phenomenon caused by driving for long periods at high speeds. You’ve probably experienced velocitation coming off of the highway; the change in speed makes you think that the car is going much slower than it actually is.
Velocitation is dangerous because it can lead you to drive much faster than you intend. Avoid speeding on rural roads or after you exit the freeway by checking your speedometer regularly. This way, you will be able to realize how fast you are going.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS

When driving on rural highways for a long period of time, be aware of a condition known as “highway hypnosis.” This condition results in driving in a dulled, drowsy, trance-like state. You should always be aware of your surroundings. To avoid falling asleep behind the wheel, take frequent breaks. Don’t drive for a long period of time and stop if you begin to feel tired.