A recent study by The Zebra has revealed a shocking truth: Arkansas roads rank 3rd among the deadliest in the nation. This alarming finding comes as part of a comprehensive analysis of road safety across the United States.
The Zebra analyzed various metrics to assess road safety in each state. They factored in car accident rates, fatalities per mile driven, and the prevalence of risky driving behaviors. Arkansas consistently scored poorly across these measures, cementing its position as one of the most dangerous states for drivers.
Why are Arkansas roads so hazardous?
The hazards on Arkansas roads are primarily linked to its aging infrastructure, which includes poorly maintained rural highways and outdated urban intersections. Additionally, lax traffic law enforcement in some areas has led to an increase in reckless driving behaviors. The state's varied terrain and unpredictable weather patterns also pose unique challenges to drivers.
The study identified several high-risk areas across the state. Interstate 40, which runs east-west through Arkansas, was identified as particularly dangerous. Despite carrying less traffic, rural roads accounted for a disproportionate number of fatal car accidents. The contrast between urban and rural road safety in Arkansas is stark, with rural areas facing higher fatality rates per mile driven.
How do Arkansas roads compare to national averages?
Arkansas roads significantly exceed national averages in terms of crash frequency and severity. The state's fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled is alarmingly high at 21.2, which surpasses the national average by a considerable margin. Drunk driving and speeding incidents also occur more frequently in Arkansas than in many other states.
What efforts are underway to improve road safety?
In response to these findings, Arkansas has initiated several programs to enhance road safety. The state has recently received $91 million to fund road infrastructure improvements, focusing on redesigning high-risk intersections and upgrading rural road conditions.
The recently approved funding package for Arkansas road projects includes the following allocations:
- Interstate 49: $67 million for improvements between Barling and Alma.
- Future Interstate 57: $6 million for development from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri State Line.
- Highway 10: $5 million for the Greenwood Bypass.
- Highway 82 Corridor: $5 million for improvements in Ashley, Chicot, Columbia, and Union Counties.
- Highway 412 Corridor (I-49 interface): $5 million for improvements where it interfaces with Interstate 49.
- Highway 412 Corridor (northern Arkansas): $3 million for improvements in northern Arkansas.
Injured in an Arkansas crash? Get legal help from our law firm
Were you injured in a car accident in Arkansas? You don't have to face mounting medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and insurance companies alone. The attorneys at McDaniel Law Firm, PLC are dedicated to helping crash victims fight for the justice and compensation they deserve. We conduct thorough investigations and gather key evidence to build strong cases. When it comes to securing maximum compensation on your behalf, we won't take no for an answer.
Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you with lowball settlement offers or claim denials. Contact us online or call our Jonesboro law office for a free consultation. With our no-upfront-cost, contingency-based fee structure, you have nothing to lose by seeking our help. We only get paid if we get a successful outcome for your case.
"The McDaniel Law Firm worked with us until our case was settled. I can't thank the team enough to not give up on the fact that my husband's accident was not his fault and worked until the correct party took care of his vehicle and bills that incurred because of it. They were very nice and easy to talk to. This was not a quick settlement but they stayed in contact with us and continued to insure us they were working on it and wouldn't quit until it was taking care of, which is exactly what they did." – Christy H.
