Iowa has many rural roadways crisscrossing the state where more than twice the rate of car accidents occur when compared to state roads. Many of the characteristics that make rural roads beautiful also creates hazards for drivers. Little or no shoulders, narrow lanes, fewer traffic signs, poor lighting, unmarked intersections and poor maintenance all add up to treacherous driving conditions especially when weather conditions change.
Preventing rural road accidents requires motorists to pay close attention to changing road conditions over the course of the year, eliminating distractions such as cell phones that can lead to serious collisions. It is also important to be patient behind slower moving vehicles, exercising care when passing to avoid oncoming traffic.
Because speed and impaired driving are the leading causes of accidents on rural roads, it is crucial to slow down and abstain from driving under the influence to reduce injuries and fatalities. The safety of all motorists, bicyclists, and even pedestrians who may be walking along the side of a narrow road depends on the responsible actions of those traveling along rural roads.
Although rural roads carry less than half of America’s traffic, they account for over 50% of motor vehicle fatalities in the nation. Fortunately more attention has been focused on rural traffic safety and developing ways to reduce fatalities on the 6 million lane-miles of rural roads in America, but drivers ultimately hold the key. If you or a family member is involved in a rural road accident due to the negligence of another driver, it is important to seek help. Contact the Iowa wrongful death car accident lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for immediate assistance today.