We thought it would not be superfluous to remind you of the basic rules of behavior on suburban highways, and in this we will be helped by experts from the "Karat" driving school.
Traffic Rules
First of all, it is worth saying that traffic safety, rules of conduct and compliance with traffic rules remain unchanged for drivers on any road. What do drivers face when leaving the "bustle of cities and traffic flows"? This is the absence of service stations, emergency communication and medical care. And the condition of suburban highways, even compared to city asphalt, leaves much to be desired. Based on this, the presence of a first aid kit, tow rope, and repair kit is very, very desirable.
Now regarding the Traffic Rules. It is necessary to remember the effect of traffic rules outside a populated area. This includes increased speed (90-110 km/h), prohibition of stopping (parking) on the roadway and on the right side of roads for cars and highways (except specially designated places), and changing the speed limit when passing through populated areas indicated by road signs with a white background. Particular attention should be paid to the recently introduced sign 5.63.1 "Start of dense development", after passing which the driver must move at a speed of no more than 60 km/h.
The condition of roads in rural areas, as already mentioned, leaves much to be desired. Often these are improved dirt roads with a complete lack of markings. In the absence of pedestrian crossings, you should be prepared for the fact that pedestrians may appear anywhere on the road. As a rule, their appearance is a complete surprise, since the gates of private households often come close to the roadway. So you should not lose vigilance for a minute. It is also worth noting another point. Some drivers, given the absence of traffic inspectors, ignore the use of seat belts. Therefore, injuries are frequent on these roads.
Driving on "rough terrain"
Special joy awaits those who need to cross a section of road passing through lowland or swampy terrain. After all, after rain, such roads turn into a continuous "swamp", and the car may end up in a pit with water or get stuck in a mud trap. You should be prepared for the fact that you will have to get out of there on your own. And this is not always possible.
So if you come across a section of road with "suspicious" surface, you should conduct a preliminary reconnaissance, in other words, simply walk and inspect the road. We strongly recommend carrying a "hiking" kit for a motorist. This is at least: a jack, a rope, a shovel, as well as several small boards that can be placed under the wheels.
Movement on swampy sections should be uniform, carried out at low speed, and stopping should only be done when necessary. A well-worn rut on such a road can both help the driver and hinder. Before entering such roads, you can reduce the tire pressure, which will increase the contact patch with the surface and, accordingly, reduce the pressure on the ground.
Often on dirt roads and other roads close to them in "class", there are "self-built" structures - homemade bridges, embankments, pits filled with anything, which should be thoroughly inspected and probed with your own feet. Driving on such roads requires increased attention, vigilance, caution, and psychological stress from the driver. Therefore, do not neglect periods of frequent and prolonged rest.
Dark time of day
It should be remembered that outside the city you will have to drive on unlit roads at night. Eye strain, oncoming headlights (often high beam) - these are factors that affect the driver's well-being and concentration. According to statistics, half of all accidents occur at night, despite the fact that the number of cars on the roads at this time decreases by an order of magnitude.
At night, the human eye ceases to distinguish many color shades that it distinguishes during the day. As a result, a red car, perfectly visible during the day, will be dark at night, and accordingly, its visibility will significantly deteriorate. So turn on your parking lights even at dusk. At the same time, do not forget that a person is also poorly visible on the road in the dark, and in order to protect yourself from trouble, the driver should wear a vest with reflective stripes.
Do not forget to turn off the high beam (especially if you have xenon, etc.) when passing oncoming cars. You need to switch to low beam at least 250 meters before the oncoming car. If you see that the driver coming towards you forgot to turn off the high beam, close one eye, and after passing, open it - this will help you adapt much faster to the suddenly fallen darkness.
And a few more numbers. At a speed of 70 km/h, the road visibility zone (under normal weather conditions) is about 60 m, and the braking distance at this speed on dry asphalt is 50 m. From this we can conclude that 70 km/h is a safe speed when driving with low beam on.
Proper loading of the car
Now let's talk a little about proper loading of the car. Heavy things must be placed on the bottom of the trunk; things in the cabin or in the trunk (if you have a station wagon body type) must be secured. Also, nothing should interfere with the driver's control of the car. If there is a roof rack (box), it is necessary to take into account the upward shift of the center of gravity, which reduces the stability of the car.
More about where things and objects fly during an accident, watch this video:
Tips for the driver
- Before leaving, check the technical condition of the car. Tire pressure, operation of the brake system, quality tire tread.
- Be sure to carry a repair kit, first aid kit, shovel, rope, etc.
- Study the route, rules of orientation on field and forest roads. The main rule of a tourist is to be able to return in time, do not rush, make a movement schedule, if necessary, a route diagram.
- Observe the speed limit, secure the cargo, do not take anything extra - only what is necessary.
And also remember the 10 folk rules of behavior on the road:
