Recent data indicates that speeding and alcohol have caused auto accidents to rise in rural areas to the point that rural areas outpace urban areas in terms of both auto accident frequency and seriousness. When the statistics are examined more closely, it is apparent that the cause of the higher auto accident rates in rural areas is a result of both the impact of speed and alcohol on rural accident rates.
A study just released by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTA) based on 2007 data indicates that of 37,248 accidents that year 56% of accidents occurred in rural areas and 57% of fatality accidents occurred in rural areas. These statistics confirm what the experienced Kansas auto accident lawyers of Cummings & Cummings, LLC have known for years that the negligence of other drivers including speeding or drinking alcohol lead to many of the auto accident fatalities throughout Kansas.
The frequency and seriousness of auto accidents in rural areas is even more alarming when one considers that despite rural areas only accounting for 27% of the population such areas accounted for 57% of all auto accidents in 2007. The NHTA statistics also suggest that the disproportionately high rate of accidents in rural areas is on the rise. During the period of 1998-2007, the rate of auto accident fatalities grew in rural areas by 9% while the rate fell in urban areas by 8%.
Speeding and alcohol appear to be the primary cause of the disparity between the rate of auto accidents in rural and urban areas. Speeding was a significant factor in the high accident rates in rural areas constituting a major contributing factor in 33% of all accidents. The NHTA study also reflected that accidents at night where speed can be particularly problematic where 11% more likely in rural areas.
The data released also shows that alcohol is a critical factor in the anomaly of higher accident rates in areas with less population density. The NHTA report indicates that drunk driving accidents caused 12,998 fatalities in 2007. Rural areas accounted for 57% of those fatalities. That driving with a blood alcohol level above .08, which is legally impaired under Kansas law, was 12% higher in rural areas. Rural area drivers were also much more likely to be repeat DUI offenders with a rate of 62% compared to 55% in urban areas.
The NHTA study reinforces the experience of the Kansas personal injury lawyers at Cummings & Cummings, LLC that negligent drivers who are speeding or using alcohol are a major cause of fatal auto accidents in rural areas. If you are involved in a Kansas auto accident, the dedicated auto accident lawyers at Cummings & Cummings, LLC are prepared to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call Cummings & Cummings, LLC to recover compensation that you deserve.
