Despite significant reductions in fatal car accidents nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a disproportionate number of fatal car accidents continue to occur in rural areas. The government reports rural accidents are 2.6 times more likely to be fatal.
Our New York City car accident lawyers are frequently called to deal with both types of accidents. Many of us are guilty of relaxing after we put heavy city traffic in the rear view mirror. This latest release of information by the government is another indication that the most dangerous part of our commute may come after we hit the suburbs.
Speed was the most frequent cause of accidents — accounting for about one-third of both rural and urban traffic accidents. Drunk drivers were also involved in about one-third of fatal accidents. About half of those killed were not wearing their seat belts.
Rural New York car accidents accounted for just over half of all traffic fatalities. A total of 622 drivers were killed in rural accidents. Urban accidents in New York claimed 609 lives. While those two numbers appear similar on the surface, the real discrepancy comes from the fact that far more drivers commute to work in an urban setting each day in New York, which makes the accident rate per mile traveled much higher for rural drivers.
A number of independent studies have been conducted on the issue. And the federal government has highlighted some reasons for the disproportionately high number of fatal crashes in rural areas.
-Rural roads are more likely to have curves and hills, which provide additional challenge to drivers — particularly those who are tired or under the influence.
-It takes EMS personnel nearly three times longer to reach an accident scene in a rural area — 19 minutes versus 7 minutes.
-It takes about twice as long for a rural crash victim to reach the hospital — 53 minutes versus 36 minutes.
If you have been injured in an accident in the New York City or Long Island areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to discuss your rights. Call 718.261.0549.
