Do More Car Accidents Happen in Town or on Highways?

Car accidents happen every day, but where do they happen more often—on highways or in town?

Both urban roads and highways pose risks to drivers, but the frequency and severity of accidents can vary depending on location. To help you stay alert and reduce your chances of being involved in a crash, it’s important to understand the differences between town and highway accidents.

Accident Frequency: More Collisions Happen in Town

Statistically, more car accidents happen in urban areas than on highways. City streets are filled with intersections, pedestrians, traffic signals, and frequent stops, all of which increase the likelihood of minor crashes.

With so many vehicles moving in different directions, the chances of fender benders, rear-end collisions, and side-impact crashes rise significantly. Also, AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety states, “Despite lower speed limits on many urban roads, the high volume of pedestrians and bicyclists and high density of junctions can increase risks.”

One of the most common factors contributing to city crashes is stop-and-go traffic. Drivers frequently accelerate and brake as they navigate through congested streets, which increases the risk of collisions.

Distracted driving also plays a larger role in town accidents, as drivers may be tempted to check their phones at red lights or glance away from the road while moving slowly through traffic.

Parking lots are another frequent setting for in-town crashes. Even though these accidents are usually at lower speeds, they can still cause vehicle damage and potential injuries.

Severity: Highway Accidents Are More Dangerous

While urban areas see more accidents overall, crashes on highways tend to be more severe.

Vehicles travel at much higher speeds on highways, and when an accident occurs, the impact is often more forceful. High-speed collisions are more cause serious injuries or deaths than the lower-speed crashes that happen in town.

Highway accidents often involve multiple vehicles, especially in cases of sudden braking or poor weather conditions. Chain-reaction crashes can happen quickly, making it hard for cars to stop quickly enough to avoid collisions.

Accidents involving commercial trucks, like rollovers and jackknifes, also add to the dangers of highway crashes.

Fatigue also plays a bigger role in highway accidents. Long stretches of uninterrupted road can lead to drowsy driving, causing drivers to lose focus or fall asleep at the wheel. Unlike city driving, where frequent stops and turns keep drivers more engaged, highways require constant attention to road conditions, traffic flow, and vehicle speed.

Causes of Accidents in Town vs. Highways

There are many factors that can contribute to these accidents, but the causes often differ between city streets and highways. In town, the most common causes of accidents include:

• Distracted driving: This includes things like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting electronics, all of which can lead to rear-end collisions or running through stops.
• Failure to yield: Drivers frequently misjudge when to turn at intersections, leading to side-impact crashes.
• Pedestrian and cyclist interactions: Crosswalks, bike lanes, and jaywalking create additional risks.
• Sudden stops: Heavy traffic leads to frequent braking, increasing the risk of minor crashes.

On highways, the primary causes of accidents often involve speed and driver behavior, including:

• High-speed driving: Faster travel means increased stopping distances and increases the severity of highway crashes.
• Lane changes and merging: Drivers misjudging speed or not checking blind spots can lead to serious accidents.
• Fatigue and drowsy driving: Long highway trips can lead to slower reaction times and tired drivers making dangerous mistakes.
• Adverse weather conditions: Rain, snow, and fog affect visibility and stopping distance, leading to pile-ups.

Fatality Rates: Highways Pose a Greater Risk

Although more accidents happen in town, highway crashes account for a higher percentage of traffic-related fatalities. The force of high-speed impacts increases the likelihood of severe injuries and death.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rural highways tend to have 50% higher fatality rates due to fewer barriers, limited lighting, and longer emergency response times.

In contrast, accidents in town often occur at lower speeds, giving drivers and passengers a greater chance of surviving the impact. Airbags, seat belts, and crumple zones are more effective at reducing injuries in lower-speed crashes, which is why urban accidents are more likely to result in property damage rather than fatalities.

Safety Tips for Driving in Town and on Highways

Whether in town or on the highway, practicing safe and defensive driving habits reduces the risk of crashes.

For City Driving

• Be alert when approaching intersections and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Avoid rear-end collisions by keeping safe distances from the vehicles ahead.
• Avoid in-car distractions and focus on traffic signals, road signs, and nearby vehicles.

For Highway Driving

• Obey the speed limits and adjust speed if there’s bad weather.
• Use your turn signals and check your blind spots before you change lanes.
• Take breaks on long trips to stay alert and avoid fatigue.

By understanding the risks associated with both urban and highway driving, motorists can take proactive steps to stay safe on the road. While more accidents occur in town, highway crashes tend to be far more dangerous.

Staying cautious in both environments helps prevent collisions and keeps everyone safer on the road.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, our experienced legal professionals at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, can help you seek justice and fair compensation.