Car Accidents in Rural Areas: Unique Challenges and Safety Measures

Rural roads see a fraction of the traffic that urban roads do. Despite this, they see a significant number of crashes every single year. Although rural areas only account for 19% of the population, they make up 43% of all fatal crashes. Country routes pose their own challenges that have led to poor crash outcomes over the years. The good news is that efforts are underway to improve rural road safety and ensure that accident victims get the help they need.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Call the team at Reeves & Mestayer at 228-300-2754 to set up a consultation now.

Challenges of Rural Car Accidents

Perhaps the greatest challenge of rural car accidents is limited access to healthcare services. While some rural communities have strong healthcare systems in place with adequate ambulance transportation options and emergency surgical care access, this is not the norm. In many rural parts of Mississippi, people with emergent healthcare needs must travel hours to the closest city to get necessary care. This can literally be the difference between life and death after a severe car accident.

Furthermore, victims of rural accidents generally wait far longer than those injured in urban settings. If a crash is severe enough to leave victims unconscious, it could be hours before another person finds them and calls for help. Even if they call 911 immediately, people in rural areas often have to wait at least 15 to 30 minutes for emergency personnel to reach them. This has a very clear negative impact on outcomes.

Road conditions in rural areas tend to be fairly unpredictable. The safeguards in place in urban areas may not be present in rural settings, leaving drivers who are unfamiliar with the area stranded and confused. Rural regions also have a much larger wildlife presence, which drives up the rates of single-car collisions.

Road maintenance issues are a common complaint in rural communities. Despite having long stretches of open roads that require upkeep and maintenance, rural communities may simply not have the tax income needed to perform repairs in a timely manner. This leads to a gradual breakdown of roads and creates a much more dangerous driving environment for drivers.

Safety Measures for Rural Drivers

While there are programs in the works to improve rural driving safety, a lot of it comes down to individual drivers’ choices. A common factor in many crashes is a sense of overfamiliarity with the roads. Those who live in rural areas must know the dangers they face on the open road and avoid getting too comfortable when traveling close to home. Some experts report lower rates of seatbelt usage and proper car seat in rural communities, both of which can significantly increase the rate of severe accidents.

Rural drivers should also familiarize themselves with defensive driving techniques. Never assuming the best of other drivers, being prepared for wild animal crossings, and keeping your guard up can help you stay alert and ready to act.

Efforts to Improve Outcomes

Government agencies across Mississippi and the nation as a whole are working hard to make rural roads safer for everyone. Some programs focus on improving signage and road infrastructure in rural areas, while others aim to educate rural drivers on the risks they face on the road. Some legislators have taken up the cause, lobbying for more funding for rural roads.

Some believe that stricter enforcement of traffic laws is the best way forward. While rural roads have reasonable speed limits, it’s not uncommon to see local drivers who know the roads well going 10 to 30 miles over the speed limit. Stricter enforcement efforts could crack down on speeding and other unsafe behaviors.

Hurt in a Rural Car Accident? Contact Reeves & Mestayer Today

Rural crashes differ from urban crashes in many key ways. However, if you’re injured in a crash, you can still seek compensation. Let us guide you through the personal injury claim process, explain your options, and help you demand the compensation you’re owed. Reach out to our team online or give us a call at 228-300-2754 to schedule a free consultation now.