Why drivers are being told to ignore sat nav directions
More than half of drivers have been diverted onto rural roads because of congestion on motorways, dual carriageways and other major A roads (PA)
Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has urged drivers to disregard sat nav directions that reroute them onto rural roads.
A survey by IAM RoadSmart revealed that 54 per cent of motorists are diverted onto country lanes to bypass congestion on major roads.
Department for Transport figures for 2024 indicate that 60 per cent of road deaths in Britain occurred on rural roads, despite them carrying only 45 per cent of traffic.
IAM RoadSmart highlighted inherent dangers on rural roads, including agricultural vehicles, narrow lanes, and restricted visibility.
The charity warned that without increased capacity on major roads, more drivers risk being directed onto unfamiliar and hazardous rural routes, with potentially grave consequences.
