Why roads in small towns are more dangerous

Many people think of big cities as more dangerous. However, they generally have safer streets and fewer traffic accidents than smaller towns and more rural parts of the country. Understanding why roads in small towns are more dangerous generally comes down to several factors.

Road layout

Something that generally helps city streets remain safer than their rural counterparts is the fact that city planners design the streets with safety in mind. State and city governments spend millions of dollars designing flat, often grid-like roads that give drivers a much clearer vision of the roads and other drivers.

Rural roads often have more drastic changes in elevation, curvy layouts, and designs that can make it challenging to see around natural landscapes. The more potential obstructions are in the way, the more hazardous the road becomes for drivers and pedestrians.

Lighting and signs

Another advantage that city streets often have over smaller towns is that they have more funding to put into infrastructure. Lights, signs, mirrors and other common safety features are less common in rural areas, so the roads can be more dangerous—especially at night.

Having bright and reliable street lights may make roads safer and make it far less likely for an accident to occur. Thankfully, many small towns do place adequate signage for local hazards such as falling rocks or animal crossings. Unfortunately, a lack of infrastructure may lead to several unnecessary accidents over time.

Road maintenance

One of the biggest reasons why roads in small towns are more dangerous is because of the general condition of the roads themselves. Uneven roads are often unsafe roads, and, unfortunately, many roads in remote regions don’t get as much care and attention. Years of rain, snow, and rougher driving can eventually wear down the asphalt. This wear and tear results in displaced roads, potholes, and other common hazards that can make driving more difficult under normal circumstances.

Many small towns don’t have the money or resources to fund big construction projects to restore the roads to more pristine condition. So, the problems often accumulate far past the point when local government needs to address them.

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