Although you can find exceptions, rural roads do tend to be a bit simpler than city streets. A city street may have multiple lanes, intersections every few hundred yards and heavy traffic loads. People who are not used to driving in the city often find this to be overstimulating, and it can lead to mistakes.
By contrast, rural roads are more likely to be straight and wide, with just two lanes of traffic and a shoulder on either side. There is usually far less traffic due to the fact that most people live in urban areas.
Does this mean cities are safer?
No, this does not mean that city streets are safer. Studies have actually found that the fatal accident rate on rural roads is higher. Even if the total amount of accidents in any given year is split perfectly evenly between rural roads and city streets, the lower traffic levels in rural areas mean that the accident rate is higher.
There are a few reasons for this. For one thing, drivers may be more likely to engage in risky activities, such as not wearing their seatbelt or driving under the influence.
But one of the most influential factors is that speed limits are higher on rural roads. Two accidents may take place in roughly the exact same way, but a driver on a rural road may be going twice as fast – even if they’re following the speed limit. This drastically increases the odds that the accident will be fatal.
Have you lost a loved one or suffered injuries?
No matter where you drive most of the time, you could suffer serious injuries or even lose a loved one in a car accident. If so, take the time to look into all of your legal options.