According to new research, more than half of motorists are diverting from motorways to potentially less safe rural roads to avoid traffic jams and congestion.

IAM RoadSmart’s findings are up blished as we approach one of the busiest periods on the UK’s roads.

Traffic jams never hold up Father Christmas, and drivers keen to get to festive celebrations feel they can’t wait around either.

Cross country

IAM RoadSmart has found that 51% of drivers have diverted from a congested motorway and headed for a country lane instead in the last 12 months.

Statistically, rural roads are the most dangerous roads in Britain, with nearly 1,000 deaths occurring on them annually, according to the Department for Transport.

This compares to 84 killed on motorways and 273 fatalities on urban roads in 2023.

Many country roads are narrow, with limited safe places to overtake, and characterised by a poor road surface and blind bends.IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “It is extremely concerning but somewhat understandable that more than half of motorists are diverting onto country lanes to avoid traffic jams. Many people lead busy lives and it’s not surprising that they are trying to save time by picking another route.

What goes around

The research also shows that drivers engaged in hazardous manoeuvres to avoid congestion.

Nearly one-third (27%) of the 2,000 people polled for the 2024 IAM RoadSmart Road Safety Report admitted to performing dangerous manoeuvres such as U-turns in the middle of a road to beat the jams, while one in ten (11%) confessed to running a red light to save time.

A small minority (8%) held their hands up to proceeding beyond a traffic light changing to red only to end up blocking an intersection.

Bread and butter

With more than three-quarters (83%) reporting that a traffic jam has added more than 30 minutes to their journey over the past year, it is no wonder that motorists are finding other routes and diverting onto rural roads to save time.

However, by doing so they may be putting themselves and others at a greater risk of a collision.

Frustrating driving habits are also increasing time spent on the road, with 80% reporting that they had been delayed momentarily waiting for a driver who had failed to indicate at a junction or roundabout.

Traffic jams and delays manifest in impatience, with more than a third (31%) beeping their horn to get the driver in front to hurry up.

This can lead to those drivers on the receiving end, making risky or unwise decisions when pulling out of a junction.

Despite many falling under the national speed limit of 60mph in the UK, traffic often includes people travelling at a variety of speeds, including cyclists, farm vehicles, and pedestrians.

According to the survey by IAM RoadSmart, 64% supported lowering the speed limit on a rural single-carriageway to 50mph.

Patient progress

Nicholas Lyes adds: “Rural roads are often winding, full of blind spots and lacking in pavements. National speed limits can also lull drivers into a false sense of security that these are appropriate limits; in many cases, they are not. We would encourage roads authorities to review and where appropriate reduce speed limits on certain sections of these roads. Also, while focus is rightly put on improving existing roads rather than building new ones, Government should be prepared to expand capacity on congested parts of the strategic road network.

“With the festive season just around the corner, and roads likely to be busy as people head home for Christmas, people should be mindful of congestion and poor weather conditions, and plan ahead to avoid travelling in peak times.

“Travelling at a safe speed and anticipating other types of road users – particularly tractors, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians is essential. While the statistics show an increased risk on these roads, proper training and awareness can mitigate this.”