Abstract
Motor vehicle crash (MVC) fatality rates have been shown to be inversely related to population density. The purpose of this study is to describe and compare crash variables of fatal MVCs between urban and rural regions, as well as among rural regions with different population densities. Data from four midwestern states over the five year period from 1986 to 1990 were retrospectively analysed. The study population included 10.932 people in 6.318 vehicles involved in 4.926 crashes resulting in 4.970 fatalities. Several variables that were related to population density were found, which may help planners to develop interventions for rural populations.