Even though they may have fewer drivers on them, country roads often present their own challenges—which is why they are the setting of a disproportionate number of car accidents per year. Knowing how to prepare for these stretches can mean the difference between reaching home safely and having to head to an auto body shop for a repair. Below is a list of best practices to follow. 

What to Do When Driving Through Country Roads

1. Keep Your Eyes Peeled

County roads tend to be bordered by farms or forests—both of which house many animals. Therefore, be watchful of your surroundings at all times—but especially near dawn or dusk when most animals are active.

If you see one deer, assume that it has its family nearby and take special precautions. Slow down or stop if one enters the road to avoid harming it and sending your own vehicle to an auto body shop. Then, honk your horn to scare it off the road. 

2. Go Slower

Even if you don’t see speed limit signs in your immediate vicinity, you shouldn’t go more than 45 mph on rural roads. These tend to be less well-maintained, meaning that you could encounter a pothole or another obstacle at a moment’s notice.

Roads made from gravel are also dangerous because a stray rock could fly into your undercarriage or up at your windshield, cracking the auto glass. By controlling your speed, you’ll reduce the risk of potentially damaging your vehicle.

3. Pack an Emergency Kit

The area around a country road can be quite desolate. If something goes wrong and your car breaks down, it may not be easy to find help or it may take a while for that help to arrive. That’s why you should pack water, snacks, a first aid kit, blankets, flares, and a phone charger in your glove compartment.  

If you do wind up in an accident, get in touch with a well-known auto body shop like Tracy's Collision Center in Lincoln, NE, to handle the repairs. Serving the community for over 50 years, the certified team is accredited with Honda ProFirst. To set up an appointment with the collision center, just call (402) 441-4820. Learn more about their capabilities by visiting their website.