Car accidents happen on both city streets and rural roads, and some studies have claimed that the totals are very similar – at least when looking at fatal accidents.

However, it's also true that far more driving happens in the city. There are more people, there are more vehicles, they cover more miles, and there are usually cars on the road all around the clock. What this means is that rural roads are technically more dangerous because they cause fatal accidents at a higher rate. Why is this?

Dangerous driving behaviors

For one thing, some reports have shown that issues like speeding, drunk driving or driving without a seatbelt are more common in rural areas. These dangerous behaviors tend to lead to more fatal crashes, so a higher incidence is going to be reflected in the stats.

Higher speed limits

Another thing that plays a role is that the speed limits are higher. This doesn't necessarily even mean that drivers are speeding. But if the speed limit itself is twice as high on a rural road, someone involved in an accident is far more likely to suffer severe injuries.

The distance to the hospital

Finally, a factor that people sometimes overlook is just that the hospital is farther away when you get into an accident in a rural area. In some cases, accidents are not even reported right away, and it can take emergency teams a long time to respond. In the city, that response tends to be almost immediate.

If you've been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, make sure you know what legal options you have. You may need to seek compensation for medical bills and other costs.

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