Oklahoma has its fair share of interstate highways as well as rural roads. Most drivers encounter large commercial trucks on highways as they transport goods through the state on their way across the country rather than in rural areas.
However, the chances of suffering fatal injuries in a collision with a truck are greater on these roads than they are on busy interstate highways where the speed limits are higher. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, over 55% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on rural roads. Almost 75% occurred on non-interstate roads. Why is that?
The unique dangers of rural roads
What is it about rural roads that can make a deadly crash with a truck more likely? There are a number of reasons for this. For example:
- The lanes are more likely to be narrow.
- Rural roads are less likely to be quickly cleared of snow or debris.
- There are more curves and sharp turns.
- Even in designated passing areas, passing a large, slow-moving truck can be dangerous on a rural road.
- A crash is more likely to shut down the entire road – making it hard for first responders to reach victims quickly.
- Rural roads are more likely to be in areas without a nearby hospital.
When a crash is the result of truck driver negligence or error or a problem with the truck or its cargo, the parties responsible for these things often try to pass the fault off on each other – or to the driver of a car or other smaller vehicle. The medical expenses and other damages for victims and their families can be significant. That’s one reason why it’s crucial to get sound legal guidance as early as possible.