Rural roads claim 57% of highway deaths despite only 23% of people in the U.S. living in rural areas. The illusion of safety, drunkenness, lower seatbelt use, poorer road conditions and slower emergency care combine to increase rural highway fatalities.
Background
84% of respondents feel “safe” on rural interstates
79% on rural 2-lane highways
69% on multi-lane freeways in urban areas