While the coronavirus pandemic still affects the majority of the country, Americans are gradually starting to return to the highways. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there were 26,600 deaths and 623,500 current cases of Covid-19 across the nation as of April 19. As more people are tested and more instances are verified, the numbers are increasing daily.
However, a small percentage of people still travel, and they’re traveling in bigger numbers. Because Americans are a socially cohesive nation, people are more prone to get the virus if they are in close contact with one another. This poses a concern. The FHWA is concerned about the safety of rural roads because of this. especially when the main cities in our nation transition to their evening and nighttime hours.
Drivers need to be mindful of a few things when they go at greater speeds on rural roads. First off, these highways are not kept up by the federal government. They are therefore compliant with the law, but their safety cannot be guaranteed. Second, out here in the sticks, the posted speed limits are typically lower. Last but not least, be ready for rapid fluctuations in temperature because the weather can be unpredictable.

Recognize The Risks

Most people agree that driving outside of urban areas is riskier than driving in them. But the main problem is that it’s a whole different game. There is no way of knowing what kind of danger you might run into once you enter rural America. Trucks and other heavy vehicles can easily become entangled with one other on small, curving roads. Additionally, navigating past roadside rubbish and potholes is much more challenging. These items may pose a serious risk to your safety. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), this style of driving is responsible for 42% of all highway fatalities, which should give you an indication of how much riskier it is.

Take Caution

It might be thrilling when traveling on rural roadways at higher speeds but driving at faster speeds on a curving road can also be highly risky. The Mayo Clinic states that driving too fast can result in fatalities or serious injuries. Given that driver error is thought to be the primary factor in 75% of all collisions, it is reasonable to believe that speeding is the primary cause of the majority of these collisions. On a country road, if you start to feel like you’re approaching too quickly, pull over, reduce your speed, and reevaluate the situation.
The issue of the state of the roads is another. Your chance of getting into a serious accident rises if you drive in damp conditions or on a clogged road that hasn’t been cleared of snow and ice. As you might expect, the majority of these collisions occur during the winter when the roads are typically wet and slick. Driving on ice or snow requires slowing down and extra caution.

Pay Attention To

This is the reason that owners of large vehicles, such as trucks, shouldn’t even consider operating their vehicles on a rural road. Particularly in wet weather, these vehicles are more likely to become mired in the mud. The issue of passing on the right is another. On a two-lane road, you might not have enough distance to pass on the right if a car is coming at you from the other direction. You’ll need to wait for them to pass before attempting to merge into the opposite lane. Because of this, it’s critical to pay attention to your surroundings and remain awake while driving.
Also noteworthy is the fact that there are more than 400,000 deer in the United States. They stray onto roadways every year and are struck by vehicles. Despite the fact that these crashes rarely result in fatalities or significant injuries, they can nonetheless be very problematic for drivers. If a deer crosses your path on the road and doesn’t seem scared or irate, just keep going. Allow them to move freely and to cross if they so want. A moose, elk, or antelope may also be seen on the road. These animals can be a greater menace because they are known to be less frightened of people. If you don’t want to be a meal for a hungry predator, stay away from these animals.

Use Apps To Remain Vigilant

There are various phone apps available that can assist drivers in avoiding danger and monitoring road conditions. The most well-liked is 4WD Alarm. When turned on, this app will notify you whenever your vehicle approaches an area known for its challenging driving conditions. In the event of an emergency, while driving, the app can also link you with emergency services. RACAR is another useful program. This software allows you to keep track of the whereabouts of other cars and notify them when they are nearby. To eliminate distractions from the road and to keep an eye out for wildlife and other cars, many individuals choose to utilize these applications. when traveling on rural roadways at higher speeds.