Arkansas is ranked among the middle states when it comes to motorist safety in the United States. In 2021, Arkansas was the 23rd state on a list of the highest number of fatalities that resulted from traffic collisions. With the state's 12th largest highway system in the U.S., the massive road infrastructure has raised concerns about road safety and fatalities resulting from crashes. Driving error is one of the primary causes of traffic collisions in Arkansas. Distracted driving accounted for about 3,142 deaths in 2019 alone. Road conditions and weather conditions also affect the rate of road fatalities.
According to the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, about 82% of the highways in the state are in poor or fair condition, which can influence the state’s crash rates.
According to the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, about 82% of the highways in the state are in poor or fair condition, which can influence the state’s crash rates.
Some routes in Arkansas hold a reputation for accidents and fatalities. Understanding these high-risk roadways can empower drivers to navigate them with increased awareness and caution.
Here's a closer look at five notorious roads notorious for their accident rates:
The Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles emphasizes the importance of responsible driving behavior and outlines some necessary actions following a car collision to prioritize safety and ensure legal compliance. Here's a detailed breakdown of post-accident protocols in Arkansas:
If possible, drivers should cautiously maneuver their vehicles from traffic to a safe location. This minimizes obstruction and potential secondary accidents, especially on high-traffic routes or if there is low visibility on the road.
Drivers are expected to remain at the crash scene until they are authorized to drive off or unless any of the individuals involved in the accident require medical attention.
Drivers should immediately activate their hazard lights to alert approaching drivers of potential danger. If the driver has a traffic control device like traffic cones, flags, or flares, they should deploy them at a safe distance from the collision scene to prevent further accidents and give other drivers ample time to react.
Drivers should check themselves and other individuals involved in the crash for injuries. If anyone sustains serious injuries, people should not attempt to move them. Instead, they should call 911 immediately and await medical assistance.
In case of injury, individuals should call 911 and request medical assistance immediately. Though drivers are not mandated to report any accidents to the police, they must report incidents within 30 days if they result in bodily injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000.
Drivers are expected to exchange information that can help with legal proceedings, medical coverage, or insurance claims caused by the accident. Individuals should share their names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. Furthermore, drivers should also share the car’s insurance information, including the company name and policy number. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they should also share the owner's name and physical address.
Individuals should take pictures of the accident scene, documenting the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks (if present), and surrounding environmental factors. These photos can be instrumental in determining the accident's cause and documenting pre-existing vehicle damage.
Drivers should consult their attorney before calling their insurance company. This ensures they are protected from the insurance company acting in bad faith and not paying for the coverage.
Individuals should secure all essential documents related to the accident. These documents include official accident reports from the police, insurance information, witness testimonies, and medical records.
-Arkansas has strict traffic laws and regulations that every driver should follow. This summary outlines key regulations governing safe driving practices in Arkansas, aiming to enhance road safety for all users.
Seat Belt SafetyThe state requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts when a vehicle is on the road.
Drivers should properly secure children aged six to 15 with safety belts.
Children under six or weighing less than 60 pounds should always be restrained in a booster seat or a child safety seat.
Mandatory Car
InsuranceIn Arkansas, all motor vehicles should have at least the minimum liability insurance coverage while on the road.
The state requires drivers to provide proof of insurance while they are driving.
Teen Driver Restrictions
The minimum driving age in the state is between 14 and 15 years old. Individuals at the time will get a learner’s license, allowing them to drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is 21 years or older. Potential drivers will undergo a vision and written test to determine their eligibility for the license.
A teen may apply for an intermediate license after six months with a perfect driving record and at least 65 hours of supervised practice driving. The license allows individuals to operate non-commercial motor vehicles and can drive without adult supervision unless they drive at night.
The state prohibits teenagers from driving between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Lane Camping
The law states that on multiple-lane roads, drivers shall remain on the right side of the road unless overtaking. All vehicles in the left lane should move faster than those on the right.
Driving Under the
Influence (DUI)The state of Arkansas prohibits driving or control of any motor vehicle if a driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is over .08%. Furthermore, individuals should not be under the influence of any controlled drug or intoxicant.
Commercial drivers should have a BAC below .04%.
Drivers under 21 should have a BAC level below .02%.
Move Over LawsThe state requires all drivers to move over lanes, not only for emergency cars and police vehicles but also for any vehicle owned by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and any of their contractors while cars are flashing their warning lights. They also include tow trucks, utility vehicles, and firefighters.
Hand-Held Device
RestrictionsUsing or holding a phone or other handheld device while driving is prohibited, except when the car is parked or stopped.
The state prohibits drivers under 18 from using hands-free devices like headsets, speakerphones, or Bluetooth devices while driving.
Cargo Bed
SafetyThe state prohibits passengers from sitting in a truck bed or cargo bed of any car while moving.
Though some traffic laws in the state are standard, other Arkansas regulations may seem strange. These uncommon laws include: