Many find it relaxing to get off the interstates and drive on surface roads. The scenery tends to be better, the food options more unusual and the pace is less hectic. Does this translate into a safer trip? Actually not. According to traffic experts, rural roads present many dangers, particularly for those with little experiencing driving on them.
Why more dangerous?
There are some specific challenges that drivers must guard against:
- Animals: Interstates tend to act as barriers, but wildlife and domestic animals think nothing of trying to cross roads with no fencing.
- False security: Drivers think that they can easily spot any potential dangers, and thus focus more on taking in the countryside. This can lead to wandering across the center lane or onto a soft shoulder.
- Passing: City drivers do not have a lot of experience passing slower cars on two-lane roads. This can lead to misjudging the amount of space needed to do it or other mistakes that can lead to head-on collisions.
- Few lights: There are may be lights at an intersection, but there will few others to help identify obstacles on the road.
- Maintenance: Less traveled roads often translate into lower quality surfaces.
- Driving under the influence: People figure less traffic means less danger or less likelihood of getting caught driving under the influence.
- Medical treatment: The minutes after a motor vehicle crash can mean the difference between life and death. It may take time for a Samaritan to come upon the crash and call 911. EMTs rarely can get to a crash site quickly, and hospitals or clinics may be an hour or more away.
Victims can still take legal action
It is smart for the injured or their family to discuss the details of a motor vehicle crash with an attorney who handles car accidents. These legal professionals can provide insight based on the details of the incident. Suppose it appears that the other driver was at fault. In that case, the attorney can seek damages for lost wages, related medical expenses not covered by insurance, property damage, and the trauma caused by the other driver’s negligence.
