Driving Is More Dangerous In The Country

Automotive Digest reports these facts

Only 23% of Americans live in rural areas

57% of highway deaths occur on roads considered rural

Traffic deaths on rural roads frequently involve single-vehicle wrecks

Drivers crash into trees, utility poles or other stationary objects

Rural drivers have lower rates of seat-belt use and higher drunken-driving rates

Acute medical care is often slower to reach crash victims

The conclusion, by Lee Munnich, director, Center of Rural Safety, University of Minnesota,

"People seem to feel more comfortable on [rural] roads, even though the facts show that it's more dangerous. They feel more relaxed and, as a result, they are engaging in behavior that is riskier such as eating or using phones while driving."

[Photo Credit: MotoringFile]