Dangers of Rural Roads

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that more fatal car accidents occur in rural areas of the U.S. than in urban areas, including in North Carolina. Rural roads were the site for 54 percent (16,292) of fatal car crashes in the country in 2010.

According to AAA Carolinas, the state’s rural counties were more dangerous than urban counties for the third straight year in 2011. Here in Eastern North Carolina, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ 2011 Traffic Crash Facts report shows the following average rates of fatal car wrecks per 100 motor vehicle miles traveled (MVMT):

• Currituck (Currituck) – 1.37 fatal crashes
• Dare (Manteo) – 1.37 fatal crashes
• Pasquotank (Elizabeth City) – 1.96 fatal crashes
• Camden (Town of Camden) – 0.52 fatal crashes
• Hyde (Swan Quarter) – 0.52 fatal crashes
• Tyrell (Columbia) – 0.52 fatal crashes.

A 2006 study by the NHTSA explained that rural residents travel more in their cars than urban residents, because there is more distance between destinations in rural areas and less public transportation available. Rural roads also tend to have higher speed limits and more curves.

“(S)traight roads usually provide less of a challenge to a driver than ones that bend and curve,” the NHTSA explained. “This is particularly true when a driver is going fast, is distracted, is drowsy, or is impaired by alcohol or drugs. When combined with speed limits 55 mph and higher, it is not surprising to find that 28 percent of rural fatal crashes occurred on curved roads in 2004, as compared to 18 percent of urban fatal crashes.”

When a rural car accident occurs, emergency medical responders usually have farther to travel to assist those with accident injuries, the NHTSA said. This does not affect the number of accidents, of course. However, it does mean more rural car accidents are classified as fatalities.

While we are fortunate that there are relatively few fatalities in Northeastern North Carolina, they do occur. And when they do, it is just as devastating to the families involved as any unexpected death is. If a car accident on a rural road was the result of a driver’s carelessness or recklessness, innocent parties deserve to be made whole.

Unfortunately, after a serious traffic accident involving injuries, you can expect legal complications involving insurance companies. At Glover Law Firm, we know how to negotiate with insurance companies to the best advantage of our clients.

If you have been involved in a serious car, motorcycle or truck accident in Currituck County, on the Outer Banks or anywhere in Northeastern North Carolina, you need the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney.

If you were injured because of another driver’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Glover Law Firm, we will evaluate your accident for free and advise you about your options for pursuing a personal injury claim.

The attorneys of Glover Law Firm have successfully represented thousands of injury victims and their families since 1981. We work on a contingency basis. So, we do not get paid until we obtain money for you. Our personal injury law firm has obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in Northeastern North Carolina.

To learn more, call us today at (252) 299-5300, or through our online form.

• Rural Counties Remain Killing Grounds for Traffic Deaths in North Carolina, AAA Carolinas
• Rural/Urban Comparison, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• North Carolina 2011 Traffic Crash Facts, N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles