There may be times when your fleet drivers find themselves traveling on rural roads or unpaved private roads. These roads can present some driving hazards not normally found on paved highways and city streets. So here are nine safety tips about rural road driving from the Iowa Department of Transportation. You may want to pass this advice along to your drivers as a friendly reminder.

1. When driving on gravel, always slow down. Your vehicle will take much longer to stop on gravel, and the likelihood of skidding when turning is much higher. Stopping or turning on loose gravel is more difficult compared to pavement because there’s less tire traction. Skidding can occur as traction diminishes. You can experience a “washboard” effect on gravel roads. This is a series of potholes that can affect steering and vehicle control.

2. Use low-beam headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others if the gravel road is dusty. Particularly during dry periods of the year, gravel roads can become extremely dusty and affect visibility. 

3. Look for “Narrow Bridge” signs and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic. Gravel and dirt roads often have little to no shoulder. Ditches can be very steep and dangerous.

4. Before reaching the crest of a hill or before entering a curve, slow down, move to the right side of the road and watch for oncoming vehicles. Hills and curves on rural roads are often steeper and sharper than on highways.

5. When approaching a railroad crossing, always slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train before crossing the tracks. Unlike most railroad crossings on major roads or city streets, there are typically no red flashing lights, warning bells, crossing gates or pavement markings at rural road railroad crossings. 

6. When approaching an uncontrolled rural intersection, slow down and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic. Some intersections on rural roads aren’t controlled by yield or stop signs. These intersections can be very dangerous if you don’t approach them with caution.

7. Look out for blind spots. Intersections, hills and curves become even more dangerous when such objects as tress or cornfields block your view of oncoming traffic.

8. Slow down whenever you encounter slow-moving farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles or road maintenance equipment. Slow-moving equipment may make very wide turns, either left or right, at unmarked entrances. Always use extreme caution when passing them. Make sure the other driver sees you before attempting to pass.

9. Look out for animals, especially at sunrise and sunset. Though animals can be found on any roadway, you’re more likely to see them on rural roads because such roads often extend through wildlife habitats and are close to farms and livestock. Deer are by far the biggest cause of animal-related vehicle crashes. October and November are the peak months for deer accidents. If you spot an animal, slow down and be prepared to stop. If there isn’t time to stop or avoid the animal, don’t swerve sharply. Resist that instinct. Your chances of getting injured are much greater if you swerve into oncoming traffic or roll the vehicle over in a ditch. Also, remember that deer travel in groups. If you see one, keep in mind that more are probably nearby.