Some intersections and roads seem to be more prone to accidents than others. When roads or highways experience higher traffic or are poorly designed, they may see more fatal crashes and motor vehicle accidents than most.
For those who live in the Little Rock area, it’s important to know which intersections and stretches of road are most risky.
Here, the team of attorneys at Minton Law examines the most dangerous roads and intersections in Little Rock and the rest of Arkansas.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a motor vehicle accident in these areas or anywhere else, you may be able to seek compensation. Call Minton Law at (501) 794-0001 for a free consultation with our car accident lawyers in Little Rock.
Most dangerous counties in Arkansas
How does Arkansas rank overall in the country for dangerous roads and intersections? According to fatal crash data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Arkansas is just shy of the top ten most dangerous states.
Factors like road deaths per 100,000, total roadway fatalities in 2014, percentage of fatal crashes on rural roads, and other data, Arkansas sits at number eleven.
If we drill down further into the crash data for Arkansas, you can see that Pulaski County has the highest number of fatal highway crashes per year. With an average of 49 fatal crashes from 2013 to 2017, it was the top county in the state, along with Washington, Garland, Benton, and Craighead.
It’s not surprising, since Pulaski County is home to the largest city in Arkansas: Little Rock. Washington County is home to the third-largest city, Fayetteville, as well as the University of Arkansas, meaning a higher number of drivers on the road.
The intersection at Asher Avenue and South University Avenue in Little Rock was deemed the most dangerous in Arkansas.
What makes a road or intersection dangerous?
Motor vehicle crashes can occur for a variety of reasons; two accidents that happen in the same location aren’t necessarily related by a common cause.
However, there are some factors that may contribute to the danger of a road or intersection in Arkansas.
Inclement weather
A study by Safewise found that Arkansas was the number one most dangerous state for driving in the rain.
Arkansas experiences some of the highest numbers of annual rainfall at 50.6” per year; however, high rainfall doesn’t always point to more crashes. Hawaii sees the most rain per year at 63.7”, but only ranked 39th overall for rain-related crashes.
We can’t control the weather, but we can reduce our chances of rain-related crashes with good driving habits.
Be aware and pay attention while driving in the rain. Make sure your windshield wipers, brakes, and tires are in good condition. Give yourself plenty of time to brake and come to a stop while driving on wet roads.
Poor road design
An accident at Chenal Club Boulevard and Chenal Parkway in West Little Rock spurred residents to ask for a traffic signal from city leaders at the end of 2019. People who live along the stretch of the road say that trees cause a blind spot, and the speed limit is often ignored.
Better road design can reduce rear-end collisions, speeding, and sideswipes. It can also make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The City of Little Rock explains their road projects that can improve safety, including converting lanes and adding bike lanes.
Driver error
Of the 2,572 traffic fatalities reported in Arkansas from 2013 to 2017, speeding was listed as a cause in 455 of them. Speeding, driver inattention, or impairment are common causes of crashes.
This type of driver behavior, paired with scenic roads like U.S. 70 that are meant to be taken more slowly, can make them more dangerous. In 2015, the Department of Transportation found that the speed limit on U.S. 70 was 55 mph, but traffic was traveling at 70 mph.
Contact an Arkansas attorney at Minton Law
A motor vehicle accident can occur out of the blue at any time, no matter how carefully you drive these dangerous roads and intersections in Arkansas.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation that will cover expensive medical costs, as well as your pain and suffering.
The team of attorneys at Minton Law Firm work hard to fight for the compensation that their clients deserve as they recover.
Thanks to attorney Justin Minton’s experience as an insurance adjuster, he understands the tactics insurance companies use to settle claims. That’s why Minton Law Firm is the best choice for Arkansas accident victims who need help fighting for their rights.
Call Minton Law at (501) 794-0001 for a free consultation, or fill out a contact form online. Don’t forget to follow Minton Law Firm on Facebook for more legal resources and news updates.
