How often we forget about rural roads! I find myself reminding people time and again that not all ITE members live and work in bustling urban downtowns. While urban streets—and even the scorned suburban stroads—tend to dominate our professional conversations, rural roads quietly serve as the backbone of our transportation network. Every day, thousands of people rely on them, especially freight trucks that keep our economy moving (if you haven’t already, check out my February article on freight for more on that topic!).
It’s time we gave rural roads the attention they deserve. Let me explain why. First and foremost, rural roads are heavily used—particularly by commercial trucks transporting goods across the country. If you’ve ever ordered something online and you don’t live in a border or coastal state or province, chances are your package spent part of its journey on a rural highway. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a significant portion of freight traffic in the United States depends on rural routes. These roads may not carry the same volume as urban highways, but they carry the weight of our economy—literally. Every time we enjoy fresh produce, receive a delivery, or fill
up our gas tanks, we’re benefiting from the rural roads that made those deliveries possible.
From a safety perspective, the statistics are sobering. In 2023, about 40 percent of the approximately 43,000 traffic fatalities in the United States occurred in rural areas—even though only about 20 percent of the population lives there. Given the same type of crash on an urban street or on a rural road, your chances of survival are generally higher in an urban area than in a rural one—simply because you’re likely to be closer to emergency medical services and a hospital. Having lived in mostly-rural New Mexico for 18 years, I saw firsthand the tragic reminders of this reality. The descansos—roadside memorials—dotting the highways were a constant, heartbreaking presence.
Unfortunately, many rural communities miss out on federal safety grant funding—such as that offered by the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program—simply because they are unaware of these opportunities. Even when they are aware, they often lack the staff or technical expertise to apply. As a result, these funds frequently go to more affluent, well-resourced cities and counties, even though those areas often experience fewer roadway fatalities.
And rural roads aren’t just practical—they’re beautiful. They lead to some of the most breathtaking places in the country. In my last ITE Journal column, I mentioned a few of my favorite “places,” but I’ll admit it: I’m more of a country mouse than a city mouse. My true favorite places—the ones that bring me peace and joy—are reached by rural roads. I’m thinking of SH 61 in New Mexico, which winds its way to City of Rocks State Park; Chaffee County Road 162, which passes through the ghost town of St. Elmo, Colorado; and SH 87, which meanders through Custer State Park in South Dakota. These roads aren’t just a means to an end—they’re part of the experience.
So, as you read this edition of the Journal, I hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of rural roads. Whether we live in a city or in a rural area, we need to advocate for the continual improvement of these facilities. Let’s recognize their role in our economy, their impact on public safety, and their connection to the places we love.