Most people, accustomed to the complications of city traffic, actually feel somewhat relieved when they’re on a rural road – especially when there’s barely another vehicle in sight.
Unfortunately, their relief may be misplaced. When miles-driven by miles-driven comparisons are made between urban and rural areas, rural roads have a disproportionate number of fatal accidents.
Why does this happen?
Numerous factors in play contribute to the higher mortality rate of rural car accidents. Some of the primary reasons include:
- Drivers take more chances: Something about the fact that the roads are so empty (and the fact that law enforcement’s presence is also quite rare) seems to encourage drivers to take risks they shouldn’t take, like speeding or taking off their seatbelts.
- Longer emergency response times: Everything from the lack of cellular service in some spots to the fact that there aren’t many road signs or landmarks can make it harder for emergency responders to find a wreck in a rural area – and they may be coming from quite a distance. That can cause critical minutes to slip away when someone is badly injured.
- Limited access to advanced medical care: Not only can it take longer to get from a rural location to a medical facility, but the ability of that medical facility to handle serious injuries may be limited. Rural hospitals don’t have the same trauma teams and medical equipment that you find in urban areas.
If you’re going to be passing through a rural area anytime soon, it pays to be extra cautious. While you may be a “safe and steady” driver who doesn’t take chances, there’s no telling who else is on the road. If you are involved in a wreck, seeking legal guidance is the best way to protect your rights and get fair compensation for your losses.