I have had more close calls on two land roads than on the interstates. But I prefer the slow interesting roads to the faster "safer" freeways. Just because the smaller roads are less safe does not mean that they are unsafe.
For example, there are more shark bites in Florida than in California. Does that mean that if I am in Florida, I won't go in the ocean? No. The chance of trouble is still pretty small, no matter what.
On the other hand, there are situations that are just not safe --going into gator infested water in the dark (like that poor little boy in Orlando recently -- heartbreaking), or standing on a mountaintop during a thunderstorm. Those are situations to be avoided completely.
To me, the slight increase in risk on small roads is outweighed by the extra enjoyment. So when we are not in a rush, we take the scenic route.
