Man dies in traffic incident involving tractor on rural road

51% of fatalities occur on rural roads and the number of people killed is nearly 10 times higher than on motorways
51% of fatalities occur on rural roads and the number of people killed is nearly 10 times higher than on motorways

Police are investigating after a man died in a collision between a car and a tractor in Bedfordshire on Monday, further emphasising the need for better rural road safety eduaction.

The tragic incident happened shortly before 1.40pm on Sundon Road in Lower Sundon, which is near Luton on Monday (November 20).

Emergency services attended the crash but a man was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

Sergeant Neil Lavender said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one.

"I’m appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact us on 101 to help us establish the circumstances.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 175 of 20 November."

Rural fatalities

The incident follows figures released which show that over half of road fatalities occurred in rural areas during 2016.

As colder conditions and dark nights take hold, rural motorists are being urged to adapt their driving accordingly and to be aware of slow-moving farm vehicles and vulnerable road users such as horse riders, walkers and cyclists.

Worryingly, 51% of fatalities occur on rural roads and the number of people killed is nearly 10 times higher than on motorways.

Drivers sometimes fail to appreciate the hazards of rural roads, warns Chris Roberts, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager for the South West.

“Modern vehicles tend to insulate drivers from harsh conditions outside – but sophisticated braking systems won’t prevent a skid on an untreated road after a frost. Many rural roads aren’t gritted after a frost or snowfall so it’s vital to stay alert and adjust speed according to weather conditions,” Mr Roberts explained.

“In the countryside, you never know if there will be a tractor, horses, or a walker round the next corner and every year NFU Mutual deals with claims resulting from serious accidents involving farm vehicles being hit by fast-moving cars, lorries and motorcycles.”