A narrow road gives you less room to maneuver and can be especially dangerous when passing horse-drawn vehicles. A loose gravel or grass berm area can also be hazardous. Open ditches along rural roads are often deep and close to the road. Seemingly open roadways may have sharp dips or unexpected turns. In cold weather, a road shaded by trees or buildings may be icy because the sun has not shone on that part of the roadway.
Blind corners created by wooded areas, corn fields or other tall crops are also hazardous.
Normal speeds for horse-drawn buggies range between 5 mph and 8 mph. Horse-drawn vehicles may be even slower when pulling large farm equipment or when crossing intersections because horses are not tractors or cars and will eventually become tired. Another hazard to consider is restricted vision from the driver of the horse-drawn vehicle. When pulling large loads of hay or other equipment, drivers may not be able to see cars behind them. Car drivers, therefore, need to be extra cautious when passing horse-drawn farm equipment.