Why are rural roads so much more deadly? New report explores

Family Safety & Health October 7, 2022

Washington — Although only 19% of people in the United States live in rural areas, half of all fatal roadway crashes happen on rural roads, a recent analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows. Looking at 2016-2020 data – the most recent available – from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, researchers found that more than 85,000 people died in crashes on rural roads. Overall, the risk of dying in a crash on a rural road was 62% higher than a same-length trip on an urban road. The risky behaviors that were the biggest contributors to those crashes: not wearing a seat belt, speeding, driving distracted and driving impaired. Others include a lack of safety resources, poor emergency medical services and simpler roadway infrastructure.

View the full article: Safetyandhealthmagazine.com