The simplicity of a rural road often makes it feel safer to a driver, especially if they don’t have much experience driving in traffic. A city street may appear complex and packed with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. By contrast, a rural road tends to be straight and open, with little traffic, giving the illusion of safety.
That said, statistically speaking, the fatal accident rate on rural roads is disproportionately high. Rural roads account for roughly half of all fatal crashes, even though less than 20% of Americans live in rural areas. Why are these roads more dangerous than they seem?
Speed limits
One reason is that speed limits tend to be significantly higher. If someone runs a red light and T-bones your car in the city, they may only be traveling at 30 miles per hour. While you could suffer injuries, the risk of a fatality is relatively low.
On the other hand, if someone runs a stop sign on a rural road and T-bones your car, they could be traveling at 60 miles per hour or more. Even though the accident itself is the same, the risk of fatal injuries is drastically higher due to the increased speed.
Lack of medical services
Another critical factor is access to emergency medical care. If you suffer serious injuries, immediate treatment may be necessary to save your life.
In the city, emergency responders can typically arrive within minutes. However, on a rural road, an accident may go unnoticed for an extended period, especially if no other vehicles are nearby. Once emergency services are called, it takes longer for them to reach the scene. Even after they arrive, they still have to transport you back to a hospital, significantly delaying the care you need.
Seeking compensation
Have you lost a loved one in a serious car accident or suffered major injuries due to a negligent driver? It may be time to explore your legal options to seek financial compensation.