Is it surprising to hear that fatal crashes happen more often on rural roads than urban roads in Canada? When picturing a city like Toronto, with massive skyscrapers and highways ridden with traffic, stretching out for hours, you would assume that there must be a higher percentage of fatal crashes than in small rural communities. However, the statistics state otherwise. One of the key differences is that speeds are higher on rural roads, while traffic volumes remain lower, and the opposite can be said for urban roads. Driving under the influence and the use of seatbelts were also problems that occurred more frequently on rural roads.
It’s difficult to control human behaviour, such as drinking and driving, but there have been suggestions, outlined by the Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads (Part 2), for constructing rural roads to prevent serious car accidents from occurring.
Horizontal Curves and Rural Roads
Horizontal curves are common on rural roadways, but these curves can lead to fatal car accidents if they occur directly before an intersection, as they hinder visibility. These are a few of the problems that are caused because of these horizontal curves:
- Limited visibility;
- Reduced distance available to stop or slow down;
- Vegetation around the area also limits visibility around the curve; and
- Slippery conditions make it difficult to stop or slow down as well.
It is clear that the main problem with these horizontal curves is visibility. The ideal situation would be to relocate the curve to a tangent section, and it is also imperative that visibility is maximized throughout the intersection. To improve visibility: trees, embankments, or any other form of vegetation should be removed around the intersection. Warnings should also be posted to make drivers aware of the intersection, using pave markings to outline the curve at night.
Speed is also a large factor in fatal rural accidents at intersections, but the research shows that it is not so much the speed, but the difference in speeds between two cars. Depending on the familiarity with the roads, drivers will all act differently at rural intersections; some cars will speed up, slow down, or travel at the same speed. These differences in speed can lead to serious car accidents. Therefore, it is important to adjust your speed at intersections and drive defensively when approaching the intersection.
Hiring a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer for a Car Accident
Despite driving defensively, and adjusting your speed before a rural intersection, some car accidents are unavoidable. If you happen to be a victim in a rural car crash, hiring a lawyer for the car accident is the best way to receive compensation for your injuries. A Toronto personal injury lawyer is able to give you the advice and the expertise you need, and the first consultation is free.
Book an appointment with your Toronto personal injury lawyer at Sokoloff today, and hire a lawyer for a car accident that has left you burned with financial and emotional stress. We will ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve for the unneeded stress in your life.
Sources:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/roadsafety/rural_intersection_safety_handbook.pdf