Drivers across England are being urged to exercise caution and question their sat-nav rerouting as data reveals a growing trend of motorists being diverted onto higher-risk rural roads. According to a recent survey by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, over the past year, more than half of drivers (54%) have been forced to take detours onto rural routes due to congestion on motorways, dual carriageways, and main A roads.
The survey also found that 42% of drivers experienced mid-journey changes from their sat-navs that redirected them away from main roads onto narrow country lanes. Additionally, 60% of drivers were rerouted to rural roads as a result of road closures.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and External Communications at IAM RoadSmart, expressed serious concern about the safety implications: “More fatalities occur on rural roads than any other road type, yet many drivers are now taking unplanned diversions that increase their exposure to these hazards. While congestion is unavoidable, drivers should carefully consider if saving a few minutes is worth the risk of navigating unclassified or single-track routes.”
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He further warned that sat-nav-guided diversions often lead to multiple vehicles funneling onto roads ill-equipped for heavy traffic, negating any time advantage and increasing accident risks. With traffic volumes on the rise—official data shows a 13% increase in vehicles over the last decade—he called for enhanced investment in expanding the capacity of the strategic road network to prevent further spillover onto rural roads.
In light of these findings, IAM RoadSmart advises drivers to remain vigilant, avoid blindly following sat-nav instructions without assessing road conditions, and prioritize safety on all journeys.