Rural-Urban Differences in Risk Factors for Motor Vehicle Fatalities

Abstract

Purpose: To examine rural-urban differences in motor vehicle fatality (MVF) risk factors. Methods: We used 2017 County Health Rankings data to run stratified regression models to estimate county-level correlates of motor vehicle fatalities (MVFs) by rural and urban location. Results: Rural counties have higher rates of MVFs than urban counties (22 vs. 14 per 100,000, p<0.001). Physical inactivity and uninsurance were associated with higher rates of MVFs, as was having a more racially or ethnically concentrated population and larger percentages of younger or older adults. Conclusion: Interventions to reduce MVFs should take geographic location and population composition into account.