Rockafellow Law Firm

520-428-5411

Tucson Office

520-334-1354

Country Roads, Take Me Home . . . Safely

When we are traveling the back roads, our thoughts are usually on the peace and beauty of the scenery. Rarely do we stop to focus on just how dangerous these very roads can be.

Many rural roads in America are among the very deadliest. One would think that because these roads have less traffic and fewer cars, they would be the safest. That is simply not the case.

Arizona ranks eighth of the top 10 states in the United States when it comes to deadly rural roads, according to a study by TRIP, a national transportation research group. According to the study, there were 807 traffic deaths in Arizona during 2009, and 314 of those deaths occurred on rural roads.

Rural roads often are particularly dangerous due to several factors.

  • Carelessness and poor planning contribute to the lack of rural roadway safety design
  • Rural roads are often in ill repair, adding to the danger. (In Arizona, it is estimated that six percent of rural roads are rated in poor condition and another 29 percent are in fair or mediocre condition.)
  • Many drivers speed on rural roads, the lack of other traffic making them complacent and inattentive
  • It is often difficult to see debris or animals in the road due to a lack of lighting on rural roads

All this serves to create a recipe for disaster if a driver is not careful.

When you are traveling on rural roads in Arizona or anywhere else, make sure to exercise extra caution and attention. Drive at the speed limit, wear your seat belt, and stay alert. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, seek an experienced car accident lawyer to evaluate your case and help you on the road to recovery.

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