Despite their heavier traffic, the urban roads in California can sometimes be less dangerous than the rural roads. Drivers may want to know the reasons for this and the ways that they can keep themselves and others safe in these regions.
To begin with, rural roads are poorly lit, making night driving especially hard. The countryside has a lot of wildlife around, and drivers may be taken by surprise when an animal crosses the road. Perhaps the most crucial factor, though, is the narrowness of the lanes and shoulders, which contributes so much to both head-on collisions and run-off-road crashes.
Then, there are the drivers who take advantage of the lack of a police presence in order to break the law. Speeding, traveling down the middle of a two-lane road and drinking under the influence of alcohol or drugs become more common in rural areas. Many drivers, in particular truck drivers, will neglect to wear their seat belt, too.
Safety-minded drivers will want to remember the tips they learned in their last defensive driving course. They should put away all possible distractions and never assume that other drivers see them or are otherwise looking out for them. No one wants to be in an accident in a rural area since there are usually few medical centers around.
Those who are injured in a crash through little or no fault of their own may file a personal injury claim though it may be wise for them to hire a lawyer beforehand. The process can get complicated, and auto insurance companies have their own legal team ready to fight any claims. A lawyer may start by hiring crash investigators and other third parties to build the case up with evidence. The lawyer may then negotiate for a good amount in damages.
