Many people who visit Rolla from other areas often remark about how refreshing it is to visit towns like ours. They tend to enjoy the relative peace and quiet.
Rural roads, however, can present unique dangers that drivers often don’t face in more urban or suburban areas. An estimated 58% of all crashes happen in rural areas, according to data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Primary factors contributing to rural crashes
Reckless driving is one of the leading causes of rural accidents. Some examples of reckless driving behaviors that some rural motorists have a tendency to engage in include:
- Not wearing their seatbelts
- Driving faster than the posted speed limit
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol
Another factor that can cause catastrophic car accidents in rural areas is poor roadway design. The lack of shoulders for motorists to pull off on, barriers between lanes and other ineffective design features make rural roadways particularly dangerous.
Why rural accidents often leave behind life-altering injuries
Many motorists who have accidents in rural areas end up with life-altering injuries or are killed. This often occurs because so few motorists may travel along a stretch of road that someone may not notice that someone is hurt until some time after the crash occurs. It may also take some time for paramedics to make it to a victim to render aid and transport them to a hospital for help.
Individuals who suffer injuries in car accidents caused by other drivers may be able to obtain compensation for their costly medical bills. Getting experienced legal guidance may be wise.
