Abstract: Automated vehicle (AV) technologies offer various safety features promising improvements in rural road safety. However, due to the diverse nature of rural contexts, the perceived safety benefits of AVs may vary significantly across different rural communities. This study investigates the potential spatial heterogeneity of safety benefits derived from the adoption of AV technologies within rural areas. Beginning with a comprehensive literature review, AV safety features and their effectiveness are identified. Existing models correlating AV adoption behaviors with socioeconomic factors are examined to comprehend adoption rate variations across rural areas. Crash data analysis identifies crash types in rural areas potentially mitigated by specific AV safety features. Finally, the study integrates the overall safety benefits of AV features, adoption variations, and crash frequency variations across rural areas to demonstrate spatial distribution within rural communities. These findings inform strategies for addressing spatial disparities in AV technology's impact on rural road safety.