A new report has identified the A698 in the Scottish Borders as the worst road in the UK for dangerous driving, raising fresh concerns about road safety in the Borders and the risks facing motorists on rural roads in Scotland.
The route, which runs between Kelso and Jedburgh, is a key road for local residents, commuters, commercial drivers and public transport. However, new driving data suggests it may also be one of the most hazardous stretches of road anywhere in the country.
For anyone travelling regularly through the Scottish Borders, the findings are an important reminder that rural roads can present serious dangers, particularly where sharp bends, hidden junctions and limited visibility are involved.
Why is the A698 in the Scottish Borders considered so dangerous?
The report found that vehicles using the A698 between Kelso and Jedburgh recorded an average of 19.25 dangerous driving alerts per vehicle, making it the highest-ranking road in the UK.
The research analysed more than 1,500 alerts generated by vehicle tracking technology, including:
- harsh braking
- harsh cornering
- harsh acceleration
On the A698, all 77 alerts were harsh braking events. That is significant because it suggests drivers are repeatedly being forced into sudden stops, likely because of:
- sharp bends
- concealed junctions
- restricted sight lines
- changing rural road conditions
- unexpected hazards on the road ahead
Although the A698 passes through scenic areas near the River Teviot and serves as an important local route, these same rural features can create difficult and dangerous driving conditions.
What does this mean for drivers in Kelso, Jedburgh and across the Borders?
For motorists in Kelso, Jedburgh and surrounding parts of the Scottish Borders, this research highlights a wider issue with rural road safety.
Drivers on country roads often face a different kind of risk from those driving in towns or cities. Roads may look quieter, but they can be less forgiving. A single misjudgement on a bend or at a hidden junction can lead to a serious collision.
This is especially important in areas like the Borders, where roads are regularly used by:
- local residents
- delivery drivers
- agricultural vehicles
- buses
- tourists unfamiliar with the route
- commuters travelling between towns and villages
Where road layouts are difficult and visibility is reduced, the risk of a crash can increase significantly.
Are rural roads in Scotland more dangerous than city roads?
In many cases, yes. Rural roads in Scotland can be more dangerous than urban roads because they often combine higher speeds with poorer visibility and tighter road layouts.
The report compared the A698 with roads in London. While London recorded more alerts overall because of traffic volume, the average per vehicle was only 3.69, far below the 19.25 alerts per vehicle recorded on the A698.
That difference matters.
It suggests that although cities may have more congestion, rural roads in places like the Scottish Borders can create a much greater risk per journey. This is one of the reasons why serious road traffic accidents in Scotland often occur outside major urban areas.
Common causes of road traffic accidents on Borders roads
Accidents on roads like the A698 are often caused by a combination of driver behaviour and road environment.
Common causes of Scottish Borders road traffic accidents include:
- driving too fast for the road conditions
- sudden braking at concealed junctions
- failing to anticipate sharp bends
- unsafe overtaking on rural stretches
- poor visibility due to weather or road layout
- driver fatigue on longer country journeys
- mud, standing water or uneven road surfaces
- unexpected farm vehicles, buses or cyclists
In many cases, collisions on rural roads are severe because there is less time and less space to recover once something goes wrong.
How can drivers stay safe on the A698 and other Borders roads?
Road safety on the A698, and across the Scottish Borders, depends on drivers recognising the specific hazards that rural roads present.
Motorists can reduce the risk by:
- slowing down early when approaching bends
- taking extra care at hidden junctions
- leaving more distance between vehicles
- avoid overtaking
- adjusting driving for rain, ice, mist or low light
- remaining cautious on roads they know well
Familiarity can sometimes lead to complacency. On roads such as the A698, even experienced local drivers need to remain alert.
What should you do after a road traffic accident in the Scottish Borders?
If you are involved in a road traffic accident in Kelso, Jedburgh, or elsewhere in the Scottish Borders, it is important to take practical steps as soon as possible.
You should:
- make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if necessary
- seek medical attention for any injury
- exchange details with the other driver
- take photographs of the vehicles, road and surrounding hazards
- note the exact location of the accident
- obtain witness contact details where possible
- keep records of treatment, expenses and loss of earnings
- obtain legal advice
The earlier advice is obtained, the easier it can be to preserve evidence and investigate the cause of the collision fully.
Can you claim compensation after a road accident in the Scottish Borders?
If you have been injured because another driver was at fault, you may be entitled to make a road traffic accident claim in Scotland.
Claims may arise from accidents involving:
- cars
- vans
- motorcycles
- buses
- cyclists
- pedestrians
- rear-end shunts
- junction collisions
- rural road overtaking accidents
A claim can help recover compensation for:
- pain and suffering
- lost earnings
- rehabilitation costs
- medical treatment
- travel expenses
- other financial losses caused by the accident
For anyone injured on the A698, or any other dangerous road in the Borders, it is important to understand whether negligence played a role.
David Adams
David Adams
“The findings in this report are a clear reminder that rural roads across the Scottish Borders can present very serious risks for drivers. Roads like the A698 between Kelso and Jedburgh may appear quieter than city routes, but sharp bends, concealed junctions and limited visibility can create dangerous conditions very quickly. All road users should take extra care, particularly on familiar rural routes where hazards can easily be underestimated.”
Road traffic accident solicitors for the Scottish Borders
At our firm, we specialise in helping people injured in road traffic accidents in Scotland, including collisions on rural roads throughout the Scottish Borders.
We understand that an accident on a road such as the A698 can have a major impact on your health, finances and family life. Whether a collision happens near Kelso, Jedburgh, or elsewhere in the Borders, it is important to get clear legal advice on your options.
If you have been injured in a Scottish Borders road traffic accident, seeking advice from experienced personal injury solicitors in Scotland can help you understand whether you are entitled to compensation.
Talk To Thompsons today.
Source : Borders road is worst for dangerous driving – report reveals - Midlothian View
