For many drivers, heading into the city is stressful. Even those who live in smaller cities may find it hard to navigate the fast-paced roads of major cities. This is only more pronounced for those who live in small towns and rural areas.
This often leads to the belief that the city is a dangerous place to drive, while the more “relaxed” rural roads offer safety in their wide-open spaces and infrequent traffic. But is that true?
The statistical reality of road safety
It is not. When you look at the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they’re indisputable. Rural roads are more dangerous. Drivers on these roads get involved in fatal accidents at a rate that is a staggering 2.5 times that of the rate in the city. While it’s true that city drivers put more miles on their cars, they pass away in accidents far less often.
How could this be? There are a few reasons. A big one is just the fact that rural accidents are more remote. If a driver crashes in the city, odds are that the authorities know almost instantly and they may get to a hospital in a few minutes. If there’s a rural crash, the authorities may not even find out for half an hour, and it takes even longer to get people on the scene and bring the driver in for treatment.
Speed is also an important factor. City streets have such lower speed limits that accidents are less likely to be fatal.
Your options following an injury
If you have gotten injured or lost a loved one in an accident, you need to know what legal options you have to seek compensation. A car accident has the potential to devastate your entire life, so don’t be afraid to ask for the compensation you deserve.