Where Do Most Car Crashes Happen in Arkansas?

You might think most car accidents happen far from home, perhaps on unfamiliar roads during long trips. Surprisingly, many crashes occur within just a few miles of a driver’s residence, and most fatal car accidents happen within 25 miles of a driver’s home. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:

The takeaway? Don’t let your familiarity with local roads lull you into a false sense of security. Stay focused and alert, even when you’re just minutes from your driveway.

While busy and congested city streets might seem like obvious danger zones, rural roads are notorious for fatal accidents. In fact, a significant percentage of crashes occur on these less-traveled thoroughfares. In 2021, there were a total of 35,222 crashes on rural roads in Arkansas. These rural crashes resulted in 397 fatalities and 10,035 injuries. (You can review Arkansas crash data using this helpful interactive tool.)

Several factors contribute to the hazards of rural driving:

• Higher speed limits: With less traffic and open stretches of road, drivers often feel emboldened to press down on the accelerator. Higher speeds mean less time to react to hazards and harder impacts when accidents occur.
• Fewer safety features: Rural roads may lack the safety measures in urban areas, such as traffic lights, guardrails, and well-marked lanes. This can make navigating them treacherous, especially at night or in inclement weather.
• Wildlife encounters: Deer and other animals are likelier to dart onto rural roads, leading to dangerous collisions. In Arkansas, Masonville Road outside of McGehee is known for its high number of deer-related accidents.

When driving on rural roads, maintain a safe speed, stay alert for animals, and be prepared for unexpected curves or changes in road conditions.

Intersections are another common site for car accidents in Arkansas. Whether controlled by traffic lights or stop signs, these crossroads require drivers to follow the rules and yield the right of way. When motorists fail to do so, collisions often result.

Common causes of intersection accidents include running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield, and driving with obstructed views. Impatient or distracted drivers may attempt to “beat the light” or roll through stop signs, putting themselves and others at risk. In addition, turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, but many traffic accidents occur when they misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.

In Arkansas, two of the most dangerous intersections are both in Hot Springs: the intersection of Turkey Creek Road and Anderson Road and the intersection of Malvern Avenue and Jetson Street. Exercise extra caution when approaching these or any other busy intersections.

It might surprise you to learn that parking lots and garages are also frequent sites of car accidents. While these crashes may occur at lower speeds than those on roads, they can still result in serious damage and injuries.

Parking lot accidents often involve limited visibility and confusing layouts, making it more likely that a car accident can occur. Large vehicles, tight spaces, and numerous blind spots can make it difficult for drivers to see other cars or pedestrians. Poorly designed or maintained parking lots with unclear markings or confusing traffic flow patterns can lead to accidents.

Many motorists are more prone to distractions in parking lots, whether they’re looking for a space, checking their phone, or gathering their belongings before exiting the vehicle. They may fail to notice a pedestrian or another driver backing out of a space.

To avoid parking lot mishaps, always drive slowly, maintain a watchful eye for pedestrians and other vehicles, and follow directional signs and markings.

Of course, accidents happen in many other locations besides those we’ve covered. Some additional high-risk areas include:

No matter where you’re driving, staying focused, following traffic laws, and adjusting your behavior to suit the conditions are key to avoiding accidents.

Of course, the “where” is just one piece of the puzzle. “When” also plays an important role. Here are a handful of useful accident statistics relating to timing:

• Time of day: Most crashes occur during rush hour, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when roads are busiest. Late night hours, particularly between midnight and 3 a.m., also see a higher rate of accidents, likely due to reduced visibility and higher numbers of impaired drivers.
• Day of the week: Weekends tend to have more accidents than weekdays, with Saturday being the most dangerous. One contributing factor may be an increase in leisure travel and social activities, which can involve alcohol consumption.
• Holiday spikes: Certain holidays, like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, consistently see upticks in car crashes. Factors like increased traffic, drinking and driving, and late-night celebrations play a role.

While Arkansas-specific data is limited, these national trends also likely hold true for the state. Being aware of high-risk times (rush hour in Little Rock tends to fall between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.) can help you make safer decisions about when and how to travel.

Even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in a crash. Taking the right steps after a crash is crucial if it happens to you. Here’s what to do:

• Ensure safety: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Contact authorities: Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Wait for the police to arrive and file an official report.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any injuries and the surrounding area. Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s).
• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, getting checked out by a doctor is wise. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer soon after it happens.

Finally, consider consulting with an experienced Arkansas car accident attorney at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. Our team can help you navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you need to fix your vehicle, heal, and get back on the road.

At Rainwater, Holt, & Sexton, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Our skilled attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way, working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.