Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for the period 1994 2003 were used to compare the characteristics of fatal rural and urban crashes. The study found that there are approximately 42 percent more fatal crashes in rural areas compared to urban areas; however there are fewer vehicle miles traveled in rural areas than urban areas. In addition, fatal rural crashes are more likely to involve multiple fatalities, rollovers, and more trucks. Fatal rural crashes more often occur on curved roadways and have greater vehicle damage. Head-on crashes are more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Finally, the length of time for emergency medical services to arrive at the scene is longer in rural areas than in urban areas.

World Bank Technical Paper No. 409. In developing and transition economies, 60 to 80 percent of all passenger and freight transport moves by road-the main form of access for most rural communities. Yet most of the 11 million kilometers of roads in these economies are badly maintained and poorly managed. This paper discusses one of the most effective ways to promote sound policies for managing and financing road networks--commercialization. It discusses the emerging central concept of bringing roads into the marketplace, putting them on a fee-for-service basis, and managing them like a business.