Some people believe that fatal crashes are more common in densely populated urban and suburban areas, but the reality is more complex.
Kentucky statistics from the Transportation Cabinet indicate that about 48 percent of Kentucky’s fatal accidents happen on rural roads. Meanwhile, figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that about 47 percent of traffic deaths in the nation occur in rural areas.
The figures might seem counterintuitive, but understanding them could help you stay safe and avoid rural road accidents.
The Disparity Between Population Size and the Number of Deadly Crashes in Rural Areas
Fewer people live outside city centers and suburban areas, yet the open roads often create more dangerous driving conditions. Drivers in rural areas face longer emergency response times, limited lighting, and higher travel speeds, among other safety issues. The risks add up, making fatal accidents much more likely in rural counties compared to more populated urban and suburban areas.
Why Is There a High Fatality Rate on Rural Roads?
Some factors that make fatal crashes particularly common in rural areas include:
- High speeds – Rural highways often have higher speed limits than urban roads. Collisions at higher speeds are more likely to cause more severe or even fatal injuries.
- Limited lighting – Many rural roads lack streetlights, which makes it harder for drivers to see obstacles, pedestrians, or animals at night.
- Long emergency response times – Medical help usually takes longer to arrive in rural areas. Delays in treatment increase the chances of someone dying after a crash.
- Two-lane roadways – Narrow roads without medians or dividers create a greater risk of head-on collisions when drivers drift across the center line. Research shows that head-on collisions are much more likely than other crashes to cause fatal injuries.
- Less traffic enforcement – Rural regions usually have fewer patrol officers, which can lead to higher rates of reckless driving, impaired driving, and speeding.
- Greater distances between destinations – Drivers in rural areas often travel longer stretches without stopping, which can increase fatigue and raise the risk of catastrophic accidents.
- Animal crossings – Encounters with deer or other animals often cause deadly collisions, particularly when a car hits an animal at high speed or when the impact triggers a secondary collision.
How to Ensure Safety When Driving on Rural Kentucky Roads
Follow these tips to reduce your chances of an accident while driving in rural parts of Kentucky:
- Keep your speed under control, even on open roads.
- Use your headlights early in low light or bad weather.
- Stay alert for deer and other animals near the roadway.
- Avoid driving when you feel drowsy, and take breaks on long trips.
- Buckle your seat belt every time you get behind the wheel.
- Do not pass unless you have a clear view of oncoming traffic.
Experienced an Accident on Rural Roads? Our Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we believe that where an accident happened should not affect your rights or compensation. Our Kentucky rural road accident attorneys can handle all the legal work in your case, from investigating the accident and documenting your injuries to negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial.
We have recovered millions for our clients, and our experience with these cases means we know the tactics insurers use to avoid paying fair compensation. We want to put our experience, resources, and Kentucky Courage to work for you now.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
