There is a common notion that it is much safer to drive in a rural neighborhood in contrast to driving around a congested urban city. Unfortunately, this is not the case and believing that rural roads are safer could leave you unprepared for the risks you face.
Why are rural roads so dangerous?
While rural roads do carry less traffic, they pose more threats for drivers and pedestrians. Here are six reasons why:
- The roads have tighter curves with limited visibility.
- Drivers make risky passes on two lane roads.
- Drivers may not obey the speed limit.
- Animals wander on the road.
- Roads often lack traffic control systems.
- It may take longer for emergency responders to arrive at the scene of an accident.
Driving behavior also plays a crucial role in this, as they often underestimate the dangers of rural roads and resort to distracted driving, failing to use seat belts and impaired driving.
According to the Department of Transportation, there were 17,283 motor vehicle traffic fatalities from 2022 that occurred in rural areas. This means that there is a 1.5 times higher fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in rural areas compared to urban areas.
What are the most dangerous roads in Torrington?
Traveling in and around the upland region comes with risks, especially in some areas. Here are the top 5 most dangerous roads in Torrington from 2019, as reported by The Register Citizen:
- U.S. Route 202: 134 accidents
- CT-4: 93 accidents
- CT-183: 26 accidents
- Water Street: 14 accidents
- Albert Street: 13 accidents
Driving on rural roads without knowing the threats they pose can lead to an accident. If you have been recently involved in a car crash, seeking medical care and legal guidance can be an essential step to claiming a fair compensation for your injuries.