Although there have been numerous efforts over the last several decades to curtail dangerous driving and drastically reduce the number of car accident seen across our state and the country, the sad reality is that devastating crashes continue to occur on a daily basis. Although some of these car accidents occur in metropolitan areas, many of them happen on rural roads. So, why are Kentuckians at a high risk of being hurt in an accident that takes place on one of these roadways? Let’s take a closer look.
Why are rural roads so dangerous?
This is a good question, and one that researchers have been trying to answer for years. After all, one study found that between 2016 and 2020, more than 85,000 people died in car accidents on rural roads, which means that those who drive on a rural road are at an increased risk of being involved in a fatal accident.
There are many factors that go into the dangerousness of these roads. Let’s look at some of the most significant:
- Speed: Many rural roads have higher speed limits, but even those that don’t tempt motorists to drive fast given their lack of traffic. But speed is a contributing factor to many accidents, as an increased speed can make it easier to lose control when roads are slippery, a curve takes a driver by surprise, or a driver simply isn’t able to slow in time to avoid a rear end collision.
- Fatigue: Drowsiness and fatigue contribute to as many as 21% of fatal accidents. Many of these wrecks occur on rural roadways when drivers are struggling to get to their far away destinations. Additionally, lack of streetlights and consuming darkness can make motorists even sleepier on these rural roads, which puts you at risk.
- Intoxication: Drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol can be found anywhere. But many of these drivers find their way onto rural roads where they think they can evade police detection. Unfortunately, their impaired condition coupled with darkness and winding roads make for a deadly combination.
- Distance from medical care: Another reason why rural roads are dangerous is because they’re oftentimes far from medical help. So, if you end up in an accident on one of these roads, it could take a significant amount of time for paramedics to reach you and for you to get to the hospital. This delay in care can lead to a worsened medical condition, and all too often it proves fatal.
- Unfamiliarity: Some drivers on rural roadways are simply unfamiliar with the road on which their driving. This lack of familiarity can make it hard for drivers to competently navigate turns and intersections, sometimes causing devastating crashes.
Remember, these are just some of the factors that make rural roadways dangerous. So, if you frequently find yourself driving out in the country, make sure you take extra precautions to ensure your safety.
Have you been injured in a rural car accident?
If so, then you’re probably looking for a way to offset your losses, which includes your medical expenses and lost wages. A personal injury lawsuit is your best bet to recover your damages, but succeeding on one of these claims is going to take some work. With that in mind, don’t delay in seeking out any help you may need in building your claim. That way you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything you can to protect your future.
