Federal Statistics Highlight the Dangers of Rural Roads

 Posted on February 14, 2011 in Car Accidents

According to federal traffic statistics, the likelihood that you will be involved in a fatal car accident depends largely upon where you live in the country. People living near and driving on rural roads are far more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes than their urban counterparts.

This may seem counterintuitive. One might reasonably assume that more sparsely populated areas would have fewer fatal car accidents, as drivers on rural roads encounter fewer vehicles with which to collide.

Several factors, however, contribute to the overall disparity in fatality rates between urban and rural areas.

• Urban roads employ a number of strategies to improve road safety that are not frequently present in rural areas, such as lower speed limits and divided highways. Collisions at high speeds and head-on collisions often result in serious injuries, and may result in fatalities.

• It is often easier to access medical treatment in a timely manner in urban areas than rural areas, as the collisions are likely to be discovered more quickly and medical facilities will likely be closer. With serious accidents, timing can be everything.

Additionally, many fatal accidents in rural areas aren't caused by colliding with other vehicles, but immobile objects on the side of the road - making the fact that there are fewer vehicles on the road less important.

Ultimately, though, for those involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents and the families of the victims, the numbers and statistics are irrelevant. The only thing that matters is the loss of a loved one.

Depending on the circumstances of the collision, though, you may have legal recourse. Following a fatal car accident, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your potential legal claims.

Source: Study: Roads are safer in urban areas