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3 reasons rural Indiana roads are more dangerous 

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2025 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

In the United States, a mere 19% of the population lives in rural areas. However, rural roads account for approximately 50% of fatal car crashes. This means the crash rate on these roads is disproportionately high, making them far more dangerous than city streets.

But why is this the case? Let’s take a look at three key reasons.

1. Simple infrastructure

First, rural roads often have simpler infrastructure, which doesn’t necessarily make them safer. For instance, a rural intersection may only have a two-way stop, requiring drivers to judge when it is safe to proceed. In contrast, city intersections are typically controlled by traffic signals, reducing the need for driver decision-making. Since human error is a leading cause of car accidents, the lack of traffic control in rural areas increases the likelihood of crashes.

2. Higher speed limits

Another issue is that speed limits on rural roads tend to be higher, often set at 55 miles per hour. The faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the greater the likelihood of a fatality. A rural accident and an urban accident may be nearly identical in nature, but if one occurs at 60 miles per hour and the other at 20 miles per hour, the outcome can be drastically different.

3. Limited access to medical services

Finally, access to medical care is often much more limited in rural areas. In the city, an accident victim may be transported to a hospital within minutes. On a rural road, it could take 20 minutes or more for first responders to arrive, let alone the time required for transportation to a hospital. 

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a car accident, be sure you understand your options for seeking financial compensation.

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