Looking to live somewhere that could maximize your longevity, health, and safety? While picturesque countryside towns, like the fictional Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show,” might seem like the ideal choice, research suggests otherwise. A study from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia found that the risk of death from injury is actually 20% lower in big cities compared to rural areas.
The Unholy Trinity: Cars, Guns, and Drugs
Dr. Sage Myers, the study’s researcher, explains, “Cars, guns, and drugs are the unholy trinity causing the majority of injury deaths in the U.S.” Although the risk of homicide is higher in big cities, the risk of unintentional injury-related death is 40% higher in the most rural areas compared to the most urban ones. Additionally, unintentional injury rates are more than 15 times higher than homicide rates among the entire population.
These findings have crucial implications for the staffing of emergency departments and trauma care systems in rural areas, which are typically underserved.
Analyzing Injury Deaths in Rural vs. Urban Areas
By analyzing over 1.2 million injury deaths over a seven-year period, the researchers discovered that the risk of injury death was 22% higher in the most rural counties than in the most urban ones. The leading causes of injury death were motor vehicle accidents, firearms, and drug overdoses.
While the risk of being killed by a gun showed no difference across rural and urban settings for the entire population, upon examining age subgroups, the researchers found that firearm-related deaths were significantly higher in rural areas for children and those aged 45 and older. Conversely, people aged 20 to 44 were found to have a significantly lower risk of firearm-related death in rural areas.
Race & Education as Factors
The researchers also found that race was a factor in injury death risk. Rural counties with large Black populations had significantly lower risk, while those with large Latino populations had significantly higher risk compared to rural areas with smaller populations of these groups.
Surprisingly, higher education levels seem to be an influencing factor. Rural areas with the highest levels of college-educated inhabitants and median income had a significantly increased risk of injury death compared to rural counties with the lowest levels of each. This comes as a dramatic revelation because people often associate higher education and income with increased safety and well-being.
Why is Living in a Big City Safer?
There are several factors that may contribute to the safety of big city living. First, emergency medical services and trauma care systems tend to be more accessible and better staffed in urban environments. Quick response times and access to specialized care can be lifesavers in emergency situations.
Second, cities often have more extensive and efficient public transportation systems, which can lead to fewer motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States, but their frequency can be reduced in urban areas with more walkable neighborhoods and better public transit options.
Third, urban dwellers may have more access to programs or resources focused on violence and drug prevention. These initiatives can help curb the number of incidents related to guns and drugs, thus reducing unintentional injuries and deaths caused by them.
What Can be Done to Improve Rural Safety?
Given the research findings, efforts should be made to improve emergency medical care systems, transportation infrastructure, and the availability of community resources in rural areas. Ensuring adequate staffing and resources in rural emergency departments and trauma centers is one key area for improvement.
Another important aspect is increasing access to quality public transportation in rural areas. Paired with this, creating more walkable communities can help reduce motor vehicle accidents.
Lastly, investing in initiatives to address issues such as gun safety and drug abuse in rural communities is crucial to improving overall safety and reducing injury-related mortality for its residents.
While small towns and rural areas may appear idyllic and safe, it’s essential to consider the various factors that contribute to safety and well-being. By understanding the challenges faced by rural communities and working to address these issues, we can hope to create safer, healthier spaces for everyone, regardless of where they choose to live.
