It is widely accepted that road traffic accidents are most likely to occur in densely populated areas however; a recent U.S. study shows that remote areas experience higher death rates caused by road traffic accidents. Although this is a U.S. survey, the factors that result in these findings are mirrored in the UK.
This higher fatality rate is largely attributed to the fact that there is lower seat belt usage amongst drivers and passengers driving in rural areas.
The U.S. study found that 89% of those in cities would wear seatbelts compared to 75% of those in rural areas.
Dr. Jacob Sunshine, a researcher at the University of Washington commented, “Seat belts are proven to save lives and we should educate drivers and passengers about their benefits”.
Other reasons why remote rural areas are likely to see a spike in car crash deaths include fewer hospitals in those areas, increased emergency service response times, unlit roads and high speed driving which is easily achieved in such regions.
Rob Crompton, Head of RTA at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd commented that, “drivers often dismiss the dangers of travelling at high speeds on country roads with a National Speed Limit. The roads appear to be quiet, the driving conditions may be good. It is a real opportunity for them to put their foot down and to test out their vehicle’s speed and power. This results in a diminished sense of danger and caution, along with a boosted confidence level. As such, the driver doesn’t always anticipate the large vehicle approaching around the bend, encroaching into their side of the road, or the animal that is going to run out from the grass verge across their path. When driving at Speed, the thinking and stopping times increase and a severe and often fatal accident cannot be avoided”.
If you would like a no obligation conversation regarding a Road Traffic Accident, whether you deem it severe or only minor, please contact our Road Traffic Accident experts to discuss this further or visit the page on our website where you can find a wealth of information on Road Traffic Accidents page here.
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