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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
National Study Shines Danger on Rural Roads
The research shows fatal accidents happen on rural roads more often than on interstate highways or city streets.
Illinois is below the national average of all the traffic deaths in Illinois last year about half were on country roads. Some states are much worse like South Carolina where it's 95%. These statistics are prompting police to intensify safety efforts on rural roads.
If you're driving in Southern Illinois chances are a rural road is part of your journey and state police say that's where drivers need to be the *most* careful.
Trooper Dave Sneed says there's no single reason more fatal crashes occur in the country but there is a pattern, " I think the awareness is heightened greater on the interstate therefore when you get to your secondary roads more things begin to happen. When they find a road that they think they're free and clear on they tend to be a little bit lax on the safety."
Experts say when it comes to rural roads-- fewer people wear seat belts, more animals pose a problem and drinking and driving is more common.
By: Christen Craig
ccraig@wsiltv.com
Now: 1283451748
