Are Rural Roads Safer for Motorcyclists?

When it comes to raw performance and handling, few vehicles on the planet can outperform even basic motorcycles.

For that reason, many people like to get the most out of their bikes on rural roads. The combination of low traffic and challenging curves can make them ideal places to ride, and many people also think they’re safer roadways than busy urban streets and multi-lane highways.

This blog explores that common belief and its validity by breaking down how rural riding differs from suburban and urban riding.

How Do the Different Road Types Compare?

Ohio is home to many beautiful scenic roadways, and many of them are in rural areas. However, that doesn’t necessarily make them automatically safer than other types of roads. Here’s a breakdown of the different road types and the potential dangers they can pose.

Rural Roads

Rural roads are often less congested than other types of roads. They provide motorcyclists with picturesque routes and a more relaxed riding experience. The lower traffic volume can reduce the risk of collisions with other vehicles.

However, rural roads come with their own set of hazards. These roads can be poorly maintained, with potholes, uneven surfaces, and loose gravel posing significant risks to motorcyclists. Wildlife crossing the road, blind curves, and limited visibility due to trees and other obstructions further complicate the riding experience.

Urban Streets

Urban streets are bustling with activity. Congestion and frequent stops can make urban riding challenging, especially for inexperienced riders.

Motorcyclists must be cautious when riding in urban areas, especially at intersections, where more than a third of all motorcycle fatalities occur. Navigating through tight spaces, watching for open car doors, and anticipating the actions of other drivers require advanced riding skills and heightened awareness.

Suburban Roads

Suburban roads blend characteristics of both rural and urban settings. They tend to have moderate traffic and are generally better maintained than rural roads. For motorcyclists, this can mean a safer and more predictable riding environment.

However, suburban roads are not without risks. Increased traffic around schools, shopping centers, and residential areas can lead to more frequent stops and potential collisions. Drivers may also be less attentive due to distractions or the misconception that suburban roads are inherently safer, leading to sudden stops or turns that can catch motorcyclists off guard.

Highways and Interstates

Highways and interstates present different challenges compared to other types of roads. Traffic moving at much higher speeds can lead to more severe accidents. However, these roads are generally well-maintained, with fewer obstacles and more predictable traffic patterns compared to rural and urban roads, including barriers dividing lanes of opposing traffic.

For motorcyclists, the main dangers on highways and interstates include high-speed collisions, lane changes by inattentive drivers, and the potential for road debris. While the absence of intersections reduces the risk of certain types of accidents, the consequences of any crash that does occur are often more severe due to the speeds involved.

What Do the Experts Say About Rural Road Safety for Riders?

The U.S. Department of Transportation says that rural roads are more dangerous than other types of roads for all vehicle types. Despite only 19% of the U.S. population living in rural areas, 43% of all traffic fatalities occur on rural roads—a fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled that’s nearly two times higher than on urban streets.

Several factors contribute to this high rate of fatalities:

• Lack of Safety Resources: Rural areas often have less access to safety resources, such as traffic enforcement and emergency medical services, leading to longer response times when accidents occur.
• Poor Roadway Infrastructure: Rural roads typically have fewer safety features like guardrails and lighting, and they may be poorly maintained, with potholes and uneven surfaces putting riders at risk.
• Risky Driving Behaviors: High incidences of speeding, impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), and low seat belt (for drivers) or helmet (for motorcyclists usage are often more prevalent on rural roads. These behaviors significantly increase the risk of fatal crashes.
• Environmental Factors: Wildlife crossings, slow-moving farm equipment, and adverse weather conditions also pose unique challenges on rural roads that are less common in urban settings.

Contact Our Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyers After a Crash

As a rider, you should never let your guard down, no matter when or where you’re riding. Rural roads may seem safer, especially on nice days when you’ve got the road all to yourself. But a crash can happen when you least expect it, whether it’s due to a pothole, loose gravel, wildlife, or simply becoming distracted by your surroundings.

If you’re injured in a crash caused by another person’s or party’s negligence, we want to help. The Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy have the experience and aggressive approach you need to get maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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