RURAL ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

STAY ALERT ON THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED

Each year, Rural Road Safety Awareness Week shines a spotlight on a critical yet often overlooked issue — the safety of those traveling and working on our rural roads.

While rural areas may see less traffic than busy city streets, they present unique and serious hazards that require every driver’s attention and care. In fact, 45% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. happen on rural roads, despite these areas only accounting for a fraction of total vehicle miles traveled.

This year’s theme centers around America’s pastime, baseball! Take a peak at what’s on deck for this year’s daily themes:

SEE THE FULL LINEUP HERE

WHY ARE RURAL ROADS SO DANGEROUS?

Rural roads come with challenges that can catch even experienced drivers off guard:

  • Limited lighting and signage
  • Sharp curves and narrow shoulders
  • Slow-moving farm equipment
  • Unmarked intersections and railroad crossings
  • Wildlife crossings and loose gravel
  • Fewer safety barriers and longer emergency response times

It’s a combination of factors that make vigilance and safe driving more important than ever.

KEY SAFETY TIPS FOR RURAL ROADS

Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or working in a rural area, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Slow down — especially on gravel or unfamiliar roads.
✅ Stay alert for tractors, livestock, and wildlife.
✅ Never pass on curves, hills, or when visibility is limited.
✅ Wear your seatbelt — always.
✅ Put your phone away and avoid distractions.
✅ Use headlights — even during the day, for visibility.
✅ Be patient behind farm equipment. They’ll often pull over when safe.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

During Rural Road Safety Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to:

  • Share this blog post and it’s featured safety tips with loved ones.
  • Educate young or new drivers about rural hazards.
  • Be a role model behind the wheel.
  • Help us end preventable roadway deaths. We offer driver safety training for any age and any scenario. Learn more at NDSC Driver Safety.

Let’s work together to make rural roads safer for everyone — from farmers and first responders to families and cyclists.

DRIVE MINDFULLY. DRIVE SAFELY.

Rural roads may be quieter, but they deserve just as much attention. Help spread the word this week and every week — your caution can save a life.

*Source: National Center for Rural Road Safety: https://ruralsafetycenter.org/rural-road-safety-awareness-week/