A POLICE chief is warning motorists to be on their guard against "a myriad of hazards" on Dorset's rural roads after a shocking new survey showed many town-based drivers think it is safe to speed in the country.

Young and inexperienced motorists are taking most risks with almost one in ten thinking it is safer to break the speed limit on rural roads because there are fewer cars around.

Although 63 per cent of all road deaths occur in the country, a third of the South East's drivers believe fewer accidents happen on rural roads.

As a campaign urging motorists to drive carefully in the country is launched by the Department of Transport, Chief Inspector Rick Dowell, head of Dorset Police's Operations Tactical Group, said: "Motorways, dual carriageways and A Class trunk roads are designed to allow traffic to travel at the maximum permitted speed limit in relative safety.

"Many rural roads share the same maximum permitted speed limit but that is where the similarity ends.

"Rural roads have historic links to former cart tracks and are typically narrow with blind bends and hill crests.

"Surfaces may be properly maintained but when you add mud, manure, leaves, water and sometimes ice, a lethal cocktail is created.

"On rural roads there are a myriad of hazards lurking in wait for the unsuspecting motorist.

"Drivers on rural roads should plan their journey, drive at a speed they can safely stop and not be fooled by being over familiar with their regular route home."

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance area co-ordinator George Cane said: "Once drivers get into rural areas they ignore the speed limit signs.

"This is particularly noticeable in the New Forest where youngsters continually flout the signs which are there for their own safety. If police enforced speed restrictions more in the countryside the number of accidents and times the air ambulance is called out would drop."

What do you think about speeding in the countryside? Please call the Echo response line on 01202 411455.

First published: October 7