Dangers of Distracted Driving on Rural Roads

Rural roads are those that have some scenic view, are stretched, and usually experience light traffic. While these aspects make them seemingly appropriate for cruising, they do indeed give rise to particular conditions promoting the occurrence of distracted driving accidents.

Injured people in an accident on rural roads will find services of a Knoxville car accident lawyer quite helpful. A knowledge of these factors will ensure that drivers are always alert and observe safety measures while using the rural roads.

The Myth About Rural Roads Being Safer

One of the major reasons rural roads are contributing factors to distracted driving is because of the false sense of security that they create. Because there are fewer vehicles on the road, a driver may feel more comfortable and think that they can turn their attention away without any repercussions or harm. This kind of thinking will lead to behaviors such as texting, eating, or changing navigation while driving and will result in accidents.

Lack of Road Infrastructure and Features

Rural roads may not have the same infrastructure and features as in urban areas. In addition, poor lighting, lack of shoulder improvements, and no barriers or rumble strips make recovery from a moment of distraction much more difficult. Sharp curves, narrow lanes, and sudden elevation changes are some other potential driving hazards that may require constant attention to negotiate safely.

Wildlife and Environmental Distractions

The scenic beauty of rural roads is as much a curse as it is a feast for the eyes. The wildlife crossing over, the weather changes, and the scenery around may easily distract a driver from the road. A momentary glimpse at a passing deer or an awe-inspiring view may cause a delayed reaction to unexpected obstacles and thus collisions.

Long Distances and Driver Fatigue

Driving on country roads for long distances is characterized by moments of fatigue, which reduce the alertness and response time of a driver. In general, the state of fatigue encourages moments of inattention, which increase the likelihood of a driver to be distracted through activities such as navigating cell phone or adjusting the radio. The repetition created by continuous stretches of road also leads to complacency among drivers, who become more susceptible to distractions.

Poor Cellular Reception

Ironically, poor cellular reception on much of the rural highway system can encourage distracted driving. A driver who is experiencing a loss of service might try to reconnect his device or access settings while operating the vehicle. Further, driving through unfamiliar rural terrain often requires frequent manipulation of GPS devices, which also divert attention from the road.

Emergency Response Challenges

In the event of an accident, rural locations are often problematic in terms of emergency response. Fewer people and longer distances to medical facilities often equate to longer response times for help, making accidents on rural roads even more deadly. This makes it all the more important to take proactive steps to prevent distractions in the first place.

Tips for Avoiding Distractions on Rural Roads

• Put Your Phone Away: Make sure your phone is out of reach and switch on “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid looking at notifications. 
• Plan Your Route: Study the route in advance to reduce the use of GPS devices. 
• Stay Alert: Stop regularly to make sure not to fall asleep, if the travel is longer. 
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch out for wildlife, changes in road conditions, or other environmental conditions.
• Utilize Passenger Assistance: If traveling with others, have them handle navigation or phone use.

Ensure Your Safety

Rural roads can be seen as serene; however, they have some unique issues that make driving distractions accidents more probable. Through awareness of these risks and the adoption of safe driving behaviors, motorists can enjoy rural landscape views while ensuring safety for themselves and others on the road.