Car Accidents in Rural vs. Urban Areas

Urban areas have a lot of cars and traffic. Getting from place to place can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. As such, a lot of accidents happen on freeways and even on surface streets.

There are a lot fewer vehicles in rural areas. Traffic is pretty much nonexistent, but there are other hazards to contend with, such as narrow roads and wild animals in the roadway.

Here are some statistics to keep in mind:

• Although 20% of people in the United States live in rural areas and 32% of the vehicle miles traveled occur in rural areas, 41% of crash fatalities occur there.
• Since 2000, there has been a downward trend in the proportion of crash fatalities in rural areas, from 61% in 2000 to 41% in 2022.
• However, in 2022, the rate of crash deaths per 100 million miles traveled was much higher in rural areas than in urban areas (1.68 in rural areas compared to 1.15 in urban areas).

Safety on the road depends on various factors. Here are some things to consider in urban areas:

• Traffic density. Urban areas have higher traffic density, which often leads to more traffic congestion, slower speeds, and a higher likelihood of minor accidents such as fender benders.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists. There are typically more pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially at intersections.
• Road infrastructure. Urban areas generally have better road infrastructure, including more traffic lights, signs, and pedestrian crossings, which can help manage traffic flow and reduce the risk of high-speed collisions.
• Emergency response: Emergency services are usually closer and can respond more quickly when accidents occur in urban areas.

Here are some considerations for rural areas:

• Lower traffic density. Rural areas often have less traffic, which can reduce the likelihood of accidents involving multiple vehicles.
• Higher speeds. Rural roads often have higher speed limits, and drivers may feel more comfortable driving at higher speeds, which can increase the severity of accidents when they do occur.
• Road conditions. Rural roads may be less well-maintained, with more curves, narrow lanes, and less lighting, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
• In rural areas, there is a greater risk of accidents involving wildlife, particularly at dawn or dusk.
• Emergency response. Emergency services may take longer to reach accident sites in rural areas, which can impact the outcome of serious accidents.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Certain types of auto accidents are more common in specific areas. Urban areas are known for certain accidents, as are rural areas. No part of Texas is immune to car crashes.

No matter where you get in a crash in Texas, a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC will be there to guide you through the process. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/urban-rural-comparison