Rural roads

Explanation

Rural roads can be more hazardous than interstates or city streets. They may be narrower and paved, dirt or gravel.

• Gravel: traction is reduced, so stopping and turning are harder and skids more likely. Slow down earlier.
• Dirt: in dry weather dust can cut visibility. Use your low beams so others see you.
• Narrow bridges and roads: use caution meeting or passing other vehicles, watch for Narrow Bridge signs, and be ready to stop.
• Steep hills: before a crest, slow down, move to the right, and watch for oncoming vehicles. Never pass approaching a hill or crest.
• Crops: tall crops such as corn can hide vehicles approaching intersections and oncoming vehicles on curves.

Example

On a gravel road you see a stop sign ahead. You start braking gently well before it, instead of braking hard at the last second and sliding into the intersection.

Common mistake

Driving on gravel as if it were pavement. It takes longer to stop and turn — begin slowing earlier.

What the manual says

Stopping and turning is more difficult on loose gravel because your traction is reduced. You must slow down earlier to reduce your risk of skidding through a turn or stop.

Before approaching the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right side of the road, and watch for oncoming vehicles. Never attempt to pass another vehicle when approaching a steep hill or crest.