3 Reasons Rural Accidents Are More Dangerous

When you think of rural areas, chances are good that you picture open stretches of road with few (or no) other vehicles. People’s homes aren’t clustered together in subdivisions. There’s elbowroom and a sense of freedom.

You might assume that driving in the countryside is safer than navigating busy city streets. After all, there’s less traffic, fewer pedestrians, and more wide-open space. But the truth is, car accidents in rural areas are often far more dangerous and more likely to be fatal.

North Dakota’s wide-open highways and long rural stretches make it important to understand the unique risks of rural driving. You don’t need rush hour traffic to find yourself in a serious situation. North Dakota consistently ranks among the top states for the percentage of traffic fatalities that occur on rural roads.

Let’s take a closer look at why rural accidents are more dangerous, and what that means for you as a driver.

1. Emergency response takes longer

When a crash happens in a city or suburb, emergency responders are typically nearby. But in rural areas? Help might be 20, 30, or even 60 minutes away, especially in remote parts of North Dakota.

That delay can make a life-or-death difference.

According to the data, the fatality rate for rural crashes is far higher than urban ones, in large part because it takes longer to get medical care. That’s especially critical in crashes involving:

• Head trauma
• Internal bleeding
• Multiple injuries
• Entrapment in the vehicle

Even if someone calls 911 right away, EMTs may have to cover miles of unlit or unmarked roads. In the winter, snow and ice can delay help even more. The longer it takes to reach the scene, the harder it becomes to stabilize injuries.

What you can do:

If you’re driving in rural areas:

• Always carry a charged phone
• Use location-sharing tools or GPS
• Keep a basic emergency kit in your car
• Know the nearest hospital before you set out, especially if you’re on backroads

2. Higher speeds and more severe collisions

Rural roads often have higher speed limits, and even when they don’t, drivers tend to go faster anyway. With fewer traffic signals, less congestion, and open visibility, it’s easy to fall into a false sense of security.

But higher speeds mean more forceful collisions. When a crash happens at 65 or 70 mph, the impact is much greater than at 35 mph on a city street. That leads to:

• More severe injuries
• Higher chance of vehicle ejection
• Greater damage to the vehicle
• Longer recovery times

Rural crashes are also more likely to be single-vehicle accidents, especially rollovers. Whether it’s from a sharp curve, loose gravel, or a sudden deer in the road, these types of accidents are often deadlier at high speeds.

What you can do:

• Stick to posted speed limits, even if the road is empty
• Slow down on gravel, dirt, or icy roads
• Watch carefully for wildlife, especially around dusk and dawn
• Wear your seatbelt (always, even on short drives)

3. Limited lighting and road hazards

Urban roads tend to be well-lit, clearly marked, and regularly maintained. That’s not always the case in rural areas. You might encounter:

• No streetlights
• Faded lane markings
• Unpaved or uneven roads
• Sudden gravel transitions
• Narrow shoulders or steep ditches
• Missing or damaged signage

At night or during bad weather, those hazards become even more dangerous. You might not see an obstacle until it’s too late—and in the dark, even a small mistake can turn deadly.

Rural intersections are another problem. They’re often unmarked or controlled only by a stop sign, which can be missed in low visibility. And when two vehicles collide at a rural intersection, both may be traveling at high speeds, increasing the severity of the crash.

What you can do:

• Use high beams when safe to do so.
• Drive slower on roads you’re not familiar with.
• Be especially cautious at night or in fog.
• Assume that other drivers may not see you (drive defensively).

Other risks to consider

While those are the three biggest reasons rural accidents are more dangerous, there are a few other factors that contribute to the risk:

Fewer bystanders

In a city, someone’s bound to see a crash and call for help. In a rural area, you might be alone for a long time. That’s especially dangerous if you’re unconscious or trapped and unable to call 911 yourself.

Poor cell service

Parts of rural North Dakota don’t have reliable cell coverage. If you crash in a dead zone, it may be hard to call for help. That’s why carrying a roadside emergency beacon or satellite device can be a smart investment, especially if you travel often.

Less law enforcement presence

Rural roads see less patrol activity. That means speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving can happen unchecked. If someone crashes into you in a rural area, chances are higher that they were being reckless and that you may need legal help afterward.

What happens after a rural accident?

If you’re hurt in a rural crash, getting the medical care you need is only the first step. Next, you may be facing:

• A totaled car
• Hospital bills
• Missed work
• Long-term rehab
• Insurance companies that don’t want to pay

And if the accident happened far from home, you might not even know which agency handled the report or how to get a copy.

This is where a local personal injury attorney can help.

At Larson Law, we know North Dakota’s roads. We know the hazards of rural driving. And we know how to handle accident claims that involve complicated liability issues, like driver error, defective roads, poor signage, or even livestock in the roadway.

We can:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly.
• Collect scene evidence before it’s lost.
• Contact witnesses in remote locations.
• Negotiate with insurers who might downplay your injuries.
• File suit if the responsible party won’t cooperate.

Stay vigilant on rural roads

Just because you’re outside the city doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Rural driving requires more attention, not less.

Always assume that help could be far away and that the next curve or crest could hide a hazard. Drive carefully, plan your routes, and don’t take risks just because the road looks empty.

And if you’re injured in a rural crash, whether you were hit by another driver, swerved to avoid wildlife, or were a passenger in someone else’s car, you deserve answers and support.

Hurt in a rural accident? Contact Larson Law

If you or someone you love was hurt on one of North Dakota’s rural roads, Larson Law is here to help. We’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork. Schedule a free consultation today.