Why are UK country roads so narrow?

I have never been able to understand what seem to effectively be one lane roads.
No room for two cars to pass.
Yes, it would keep the speed down but what are the fatal accident rates?

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

Most single track roads have passing places and sometimes drivers have to be prepared to reverse if a large vehicle comes towards them. That can be a problem for the less competent driver. Fatalities on these roads? Rare*. Fatalities on motorways and fast A roads? Much higher.

*Excluding wildlife