We live in Iowa. We live right in the middle of Iowa. We are surrounded by farms growing corn and soy beans, accessible via rural, gravel roads. Now, because a lot of us are living in Iowa, many have gone down at least one gravel road while here.
However, there is a huge difference between people who have gone down them once or twice and people that do it regularly. The "first timers" tend to drive slowly and carefully, fearful of the way the gravel moves when its driven on. The people who have lived in Iowa for years have become so comfortable with these roads, they often speed. Speeding on gravel means less traction, so if a driver must avoid something suddenly, they may end up in a ditch. It is also seems to be the norm in rural areas to not wear your seat belts regularly. These two habits are dangerous enough on their own, but when combined, it can make for one terrible crash.
BE SMART-always wear your seat belt and take care when driving on gravel roads.
Image Credit: DL Ennis, Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/2007/12/
