Nearly Half of U.S. Traffic Deaths Occur on Rural Roads

A lack of access to public transit, scarcer law enforcement, and reduced access to nearby medical care contribute to more risky behavior and more deadly crashes on rural roads.

2 minute read

September 9, 2022, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Foggy rural road with power lines and haystacks along the side

Eric Dale / Rural road

“In a 73-page study released last week by the Governor's Highway Safety Association, America’s Rural Roads: Beautiful and Deadly, researchers found that about 48% of U.S. traffic deaths occurred on rural roads from 2016-20 even though only about 19% of the population lives in rural areas.” Ed Blazina, writing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, outlines the study’s findings.

Common causes of crashes are similar to those in urban areas, which continue to grow in most U.S. cities: “distractions, impaired driving, speeding and not wearing seat belts.” But Blazina notes that these tend to occur at higher rates in rural areas.

In 2020, drivers taking a trip the same length were 62% more likely to die if they were in a rural area rather than an urban area, the study said. A total of 85,002 people died on rural roads in the five-year period, nearly half of all traffic deaths across the country.

Blazina continues, “The study cites a number of reasons that lead to drivers exhibiting risky behavior, including open roads, less law enforcement, longer trips for necessities, limited emergency response from farther away and fewer public transit options.”

The article also details the demographics of fatal rural crashes as compared to urban ones. For example, “More drivers and passengers in cars, trucks and vans died in rural areas (68,709 to 56,998) but urban areas led in deaths involving motorcycles (15,390 to 9,310), pedestrians (25,551 to 5,766) and bicycles (3,375 to 952).” Young people between 20 and 24 face a risk of dying on rural roads twice that of urban youth.

According to the study, “Clearly, a holistic approach is needed to address the rural road safety problem — one that includes both behavioral and infrastructure safety.” Among other infrastructure fixes, curve warnings and high-friction surfaces are two “particularly effective” tools for reducing crashes.  “The study recommends that states stress the ‘safe system’ approach in rural areas: safe vehicles, safe roads, safe speeds, safe road users and post-crash care.” The report also suggests reducing speed limits, particularly in areas with limited access to medical facilities.

Sunday, September 4, 2022 in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM