Nationally, 23 percent of the population lives in rural areas; yet, in 2006, 56 percent of the 42,642 traffic fatalities nationwide occurred in rural areas. California safety statistics reflect a similar phenomenon. In 2006, only 7 percent of the population lived in rural areas, but rural areas accounted for 37 percent of the state's 4,236 traffic fatalities.
Having national and statewide data can help start discussions about roadway safety in rural areas, but more detailed safety data is necessary to find safety solutions at the local level. SACOG staff has compiled sample safety statistics from 1998 to 2007 to help bolster grant applications and inform policy decisions to improve rural roadway safety in our region.
Rural and Urban Fatal Collisions Rural Yolo County has generally hovered in the range of 14 to 17 fatalities per year. However, the outlier years of 1998 and 2007 had the lowest and highest fatality total, with 10 fatalities in 1998 and 23 in 2007. Urban areas have seen more variation, ranging from three to 11 fatal collisions per year and averaging about six.
The most common type of rural fatal or severe collision was collision with a fixed object, while the most common type of non-fatal and non-severe injury (other) collision was collision with another motor vehicle. Hit-object collisions accounted for an equal percentage of total collisions, but rear ends and sideswipes were far more common in other collisions.
Improper turning and unsafe speed were the most common causes, each accounting for 26 percent of total collisions. Driving or bicycling under the influence accounted for over 30 percent of fatal or severe collisions and 11 percent of other collisions. Unsafe speed caused 15 percent of fatal or severe collisions and 26 percent of other collisions. For the full report, or to request technical assistance, contact Christine Scherman at (916) 340-6262 or cscherman@sacog.org.