Road safety in rural and interurban areas is a significant global concern, disproportionately contributing to fatalities and serious injuries despite lower traffic volumes. Factors such as unsafe speeds, unforgiving road environments, impaired driving, limited seat belt usage, insufficient infrastructure for active modes, and delayed emergency response exacerbate safety risks. Addressing these issues requires target, cost-effective strategies which are suited to varying regional conditions and contexts.

This briefing note identifies critical risk factors and outlines evidence-based interventions which have been deployed across the world. Measures include infrastructure improvements such as clear zones, roadside barriers, enhanced signage, and dedicated pedestrian/cyclist paths. Behavioural interventions, such as stringent enforcement of seat belt usage and speed limits, alongside public awareness and educational campaigns are emphasized. Emerging technologies such as automated enforcement systems and real-time monitoring tools offer substantial promise for enhancing rural and interurban road safety.

To effectively reduce road fatalities and serious injuries, policymakers and transport authorities must adopt a comprehensive, safe system approach. This mindset integrates a design that induces the appropriate speed for the road environment, forgiving road design, rigorous enforcement, continuous maintenance, community involvement, and the deployment of advanced data-driven technologies.