FIGURES from the Department for Transport have revealed that country roads are the deadliest, with an average of three people dying on them every day last year.

In total, 1,040 people were killed and 9,051 seriously injured on country roads in 2014, with a third of fatalities occurring on a bend.

The figures for the South West show that 125 people lost their lives in 2014 on rural roads with a further 1,056 seriously injured.

In spite of this, more than a fifth of road users in the South West admit to braking too late on bends and nearly half claimed to have swerved to avoid something in the road.

The problem seemed to be most acute among young drivers, with a third confessing to braking too late before a bend and more than one in ten admitting to ‘taking the racing line’ by crossing into the opposite side of the road to take a turn faster. Young drivers were also the most likely age group to overtake on a bend without a clear road ahead.

In response, THINK!, — the Department of Transport’s road safety website — has launched a new country roads campaign and has partnered with a farmer to turn potential road hazards into impossible-to-ignore warning signs.

‘Helpful Hazards’ features animals and vehicles sprayed with signs prompting drivers to slow down, anticipate hazards and brake before the bend, not on it.

Road safety minister Andrew Jones said: ‘Every injury and death on our roads is a tragedy and that is why the new THINK! country road campaign is so important. We want the public to anticipate potential hazards on the road when driving in the countryside, to watch their speed and take care when approaching a bend.’

Former England rugby player and countryside resident Phil Vickery said in support of the campaign: ‘As someone who lives in the countryside, I do a lot of driving on winding country roads every day. I’m often shocked at the lack of care other drivers take when driving around blind bends.

‘Both my wife and I have been involved in several near misses and minor incidents, so this is something very close to my heart. You never know what might be around the corner, from cyclists, horse riders and wildlife to debris and slow moving vehicles, we all have a duty of care to be respectful to all users of the countryside and keep each other safe.’

Shaun Spiers, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), said: ‘Our country roads and lanes are for everyone. They are for drivers, walkers, riders, cyclists and, of course, farmers. They are often beautiful, lined by high hedges and dry stone walls. They are part of rural life.

‘But they also account for the majority of fatal crashes. Even if you think you know a road like the back of your hand, you can never be sure what’s around the corner. So let‘s keep our country roads safe for everyone too. Please take care and keep your speed down.’

For more information, search ‘THINK!’ online.