North Carolina ranks number eight in the nation for fatalities on rural roads. North Carolina isn’t the only state in the region to have high rural road fatality rates. According to TRIP, a National Transportation Research Group, South Carolina has the highest rate of rural road fatalities in the U.S. WLOS ABC News Channel 13, recently reported on the data, that found 10 percent of North Carolina’s rural roads are in poor condition. Additionally, the state also comes in at 16th in the U.S. for poor bridge construction. A variety of different variables were assessed in their report titled, “Rural Connections: Challenges and Opportunities in America’s Heartland.” Safety advocated aren’t happy about the news, but they’re hoping that with recommended strategies, safety on rural roads in North Carolina can improve for motorists and roadway users.
Rural Road Safety Across The Nation
The TRIP report found that 15 percent of rural roads across the nation are in poor condition. Less than half were found to be in good condition, with many falling into the mediocre and fair condition categories. Additionally 10 percent of bridges on U.S. rural roads were found to be structurally deficient. Another disturbing finding from the report was that traffic crashes and fatalities on rural non-interstate roads were reported at a disproportionately high rate. Their fatality rates were two-and-a-half times higher than on other roadways.
Increasing Safety on Rural Roads in North Carolina
In addition to making the necessary structural and design improvements on various rural roadways that aren’t currently classified in good condition, a variety of safety equipment, like rumble strips, guardrails and wider shoulders, can also help to increase safety on these roadways. Motorists are also reminded to never engage in any distracted driving behaviors behind the wheel.
Car Accidents in Asheville
After any kind of car accident, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney about your options. A car accident lawyer can be your advocate as you focus on recovering from your injuries and getting back to your normal life. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.