Driving in an urban setting often feels more dangerous. There is more traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists. On top of that, road designs can be more complicated, with numerous intersections, stoplights, roundabouts, one-way streets and more.
By contrast, driving in a rural area tends to feel relatively straightforward and simple. There is a lot less traffic, so people do not spend as much time worrying about getting into an accident. But which one is actually more dangerous?
The fatal accident rate
If you look at the fatal accident rate, you will find that it is much higher in rural areas. On the whole, rural areas account for about 50% of all fatal crashes but what you need to remember is that less than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, meaning there are far fewer vehicles on the road than in urban areas.
One reason the rural rate is so high is that rural speed limits tend to be set around 55 miles an hour. The average rural crash happens at a far greater speed than the average crash in the city, making severe injuries more likely.
Another factor impacting the fatality rate is the proximity to medical care. Hospitals tend to be situated in urban areas, so people can get emergency care quickly. In rural crashes, however, there can be a significant delay before medical teams arrive, increasing the risk of fatalities.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you lost a loved one in a car accident or suffered serious injuries yourself? If so, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity and more.
