Only times I get on the interstate west of the Mississippi is when I need to make some serious time. Once I retire, the only interstate my rig will see are those within 350 miles of my house which will be traveled often.
While the interstates may be safer, the odds of having an accident on any road is relatively small. However the stress of riding on the interstate is usually a lot higher and when I retire, I'll be more worried about the stress.
Another thing not mentioned in the stats above is that a lot of the accidents happen in towns and cities where folks are a lot more crowded. Out in the open country where there is a lot less traffic there will be a lot less accidents and safe.
Lastly, you have to consider speed as part of the risk factor. The higher the speed the higher the risk. So you again further offset the risk because instead of driving 65 with others whizzing by you at 80, you will only being doing 55 or 60.
I think when you boil all the numbers down, driving down a country road at 55 mph is as safe if not safer than whizzing down the interstate at 65.
