Fatalities on rural roads analyzed in new study
In a recent study conducted by Lucky Gambler and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the focus was placed on the dangers of driving on rural roads across the United States in 2022.
Wyoming was identified as the most dangerous state, with a worrying 19.76 rural crash fatalities per 100,000 residents. This rate starkly contrasts with Massachusetts, which recorded the safest rate at just 0.43 fatalities per 100,000.
Mississippi and Montana followed Wyoming as the second and third most dangerous states, with rural crash fatality rates of 15.87 and 15.49 respectively. These figures highlight the heightened risk associated with driving in less urbanized areas.
The study further lists South Dakota, South Carolina, and Arkansas among the top ten most perilous states for rural drivers, all exceeding 11 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents in rural settings. These statistics underscore the disproportionate number of fatalities occurring on rural versus urban roads in these regions.
Serhii Bielyi, Marketing Director at Lucky Gambler, remarks on the findings - "Rural roads often offer scenic beauty, but they also present unique hazards that can make them among the most dangerous places to drive. The top ten ranking highlights the states where these risks are most prevalent, emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices."
The rankings serve as an important alert for drivers traversing rural landscapes to exercise increased caution and for authorities to enhance safety protocols on these potentially treacherous roads.