Drive Safely

The South of Scotland is a vast and varied part of the world, with something new around every turn. Maybe you want to wind your way through mountain roads, or soak up the coastal views and breathtaking passes. Either way, there’s no better place for a road trip than here in the South of Scotland.

With so much to see and explore, it’s important that you take your time while driving. It’s your chance to slow down and soak up the beautiful countryside. You don’t want to miss anything, but also, you want to keep yourself and other road users safe.

The South of Scotland is shared by locals as well as holiday-makers from all over the world, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to drive safely and respect the rules of the road. Always remember to travel with care and leave no trace behind.

Most accidents on country roads are caused by driving too fast, resulting in a loss of control. Therefore, reducing your speed is the most effective way to avoid any mishaps.

However, there are a few other things which you should be aware of throughout your journey:

● Country roads can be unpredictable, so your full attention is needed at all times.
● Always be prepared for potential hazards such as bends, hidden dips, blind summits, concealed entrances and livestock.
● Give yourself the time and space to react to situations by keeping well within the speed limit.
● Always remember to drive on the left.
● Don’t overtake slower vehicles unless absolutely necessary. It’s better to be patient as oncoming traffic can often be hidden by narrow, winding roads.
● If passing more vulnerable road users such as horse riders, cyclists and walkers, overtake slowly and with care, giving them as much room as you would a car.

A single-track road is one which allows for two-way travel, but is not always wide enough for vehicles to pass one another. Many single-track roads have passing places where you/other road users can pull in to let vehicles through. These passing places are marked with a white diamond or square shaped signpost and may be on either side of the road.

Make the best use of passing places with these guidelines:

● Usually, it’s the person closest to the passing place that pulls in and waits for the oncoming vehicle. This means one of you may have to reverse back into the passing place.
● If the passing place is on the opposite side of the road, wait across from it so that the other driver can pull in and allow you to pass.
● Do not travel in a convoy, as most passing places only have enough space for one vehicle. Instead, leave the same distance as one passing place between yourself and other drivers.
● If you want to drive at your own pace without holding-up others, passing places can also be used to let those behind you pass safely.
● Be aware that a vehicle coming from behind could be a doctor or nurse on their way to tend to a patient or emergency. Please pull in at the first passing place to allow them to proceed.
● Never park in passing places.
● Make sure you can reverse your vehicle correctly, especially if driving a motorhome, as this is something you’ll likely have to do while traveling on a single track road.

Finally, here are some tips on how to make the most of your journey through the South of Scotland.

● Plan ahead. Know the type of roads you will be travelling on and stop to take a rest when needed.
● Make sure your driving skills are up for the task of driving on country roads. They differ quite a bit from the type of road you may be used to.
● Always remember that our roads are shared by many, including cyclists, motorcyclists, walkers and animals. These road users are particularly vulnerable so approach them with caution.

A Guide to Driving in Scotland

Explore Driving Routes in the South of Scotland

Cars and Trails

South West Coastal 300