Dangers of Rural Roadways – Accident Prevention Information
September 28, 2011 | Car Accidents
How dangerous are rural roadways? TRIP, a National Transportation Research Group, reported in a September 1, 2011 report that America’s rural roadways face numerous dangers that present concern for motorists. According to TRIP, our rural roadways face the inability to handle growing traffic volume, limited connectivity, problems handling our growing freight liners and commercial motor vehicles, deterioration of road and bridge conditions, outdated safety features, and increased fatality rates compared to other highways and other roadways. As these conditions become worse, motorists face significant danger.
The TRIP report found that 20% of rural roadways in Missouri are in a poor condition. Missouri had the 12th highest percentage of poor rural roadways in the United States. The report also found that 18% of rural bridges in Missouri are in a deficient condition. As a result of these road conditions, in 2009, Missouri had 533 rural fatalities. The growing number of fatalities and deteriorating conditions present more questions than answers.
The complexities of these issues are compounded by falling Federal and State budgets. As our economy becomes more restricted, money spent on our nation’s infrastructure decreases. As we fail to maintain our roadways, constant deterioration places Missouri drivers at increased risk. Money must not only be spent on repairs such as filling potholes and widening lanes, but America needs to spend significant resources on research and design to understand our ever-changing environment.
As traffic volume and weight of commercial vehicles increases, roadways face increased pressure. Large metropolitan cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City often tackle repairs faster due to a large number of motorists, while rural areas have longer stretches of roadways and fewer travelers reporting complaints. In addition, new road construction and repairs are often completed using less durable materials in order to save money. Cutting corners tends to save money upfront at the expense of longevity and durability.
It is important to always be alert while driving. Paying careful attention to road hazards will allow time for proper stopping distance, avoidance, and other preventive measures to counter Missouri rural road hazards. If you suffer an injury as the result of the negligent repair and maintenance of Missouri roadways, the State of Missouri may be responsible for your injury. While budgets are adjusted to increase the salaries of politicians at the expense of Missouri residents, repair of our roadways is often placed on the back burner. If roadways are known to be dangerous and the State of Missouri has notice of these dangerous conditions, there are circumstances where they are responsible for the failure to repair and maintain these roadways in a safe working manner.
If you have been injured on Missouri roadways, contact a Missouri accident lawyer to determine if the State of Missouri is responsible for the reimbursement of the harms and losses associated with your injury. Your tax dollars should be used to keep you safe and not provide for elegant vacations for Missouri politicians. Give us a call today to discuss your case at (314) 208-2808