Drivers in Kentucky may assume that the roads that are far from urban areas and have less traffic are, for that reason, safer. This would be inaccurate, though, as rural roads come with their own set of challenges.
For instance, drivers in the countryside are usually faced with traveling on narrow two-lane roads. If they are not cautious about maintaining their lane, they may collide head-on with another vehicle or run off the road. Unfortunately, many drivers, seeing that no one is around, will travel down both lanes of a two-lane road.
Rural roads also see plenty of wildlife, so drivers who are unprepared may be spooked by these animals. Other animals may come from homes; rural homes tend to be closely situated to the road. A third danger is posed by the lack of lighting. Most roads even lack street lights.
Though there is less traffic on rural roads, drivers can be more reckless because they have a slimmer chance of being pulled over by police. Speeding, drinking and driving and seatbelt neglect are not uncommon in these areas.
Reckless drivers should remember that if they crash in a rural area, it may take a while before they are treated for their injuries. As for the safety-minded, they should drive defensively no matter where they are.
Usually, car accidents don’t lead to personal injury claims since Kentucky is a no-fault state. When serious injuries result, victims may file a claim, but this means proving the other driver’s negligence. Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving: These are just a few of the most common forms of negligence. For help with proving negligence, filing the claim and negotiating a settlement, victims may want to hire a lawyer. If successful, their claim may cover them for their medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.