Rural roads are more dangerous, but why?

When you study car accident trends, you’ll find that rural roads are more dangerous than city streets. Generally speaking, there are far more vehicles covering far more miles on city streets, but the total number of fatal accidents on both types of roads is quite similar. This means that the fatal accident rate on rural roads is much higher and they are disproportionately dangerous.

It is important to understand that this is true so that you know what type of risk you face every time you drive. But you may be surprised by this difference in rates, or you may even have assumed that city streets would be more dangerous because of the traffic congestion. So why is the opposite true?

Speed limits are higher

First of all, the risk is based on fatal accident statistics. Since fatalities are more likely at higher speeds, the mere fact that rural roads tend to have higher speed limits means that more of the crashes are going to be fatal. You could have the exact same number of crashes on both types of streets and the rural roads would lead to more severe injuries because those accidents are happening at 60 miles an hour, whereas accidents in the city are happening at 25 miles an hour.

Drunk driving is common

Another common reason for these fatal accidents on rural roads is drunk driving. It’s true that drunk driving happens in the city, as well, but there are more options for people to use. Some people choose to walk, ride bikes, take public transportation, use taxis or use rideshare services. These options are not always available in rural areas, so people have no choice but to drive, and they will do so even if they know they are intoxicated.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, no matter what type of road it was on, you may be entitled to financial compensation.