Arkansas had approximately 61,000 total traffic crashes statewide in a recent year (including fatal, injury and property-damage crashes). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data for 2023, Arkansas reported 596 traffic fatalities from motor vehicle crashes. This places Arkansas among states with a relatively high fatality rate per population (19.4 deaths per 100,000 residents). Arkansas's fatality numbers peaked at 692 in 2021 and declined somewhat in subsequent years. In 2023, the state had the fifth-highest roadway fatality rate in the U.S., indicating a comparatively high risk of fatal crashes. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office reports that Arkansas typically sees thousands of serious injuries from crashes each year with rolling averages over 2,700 serious injuries annually in traffic crashes. Many serious and fatal crashes in Arkansas involve unrestrained occupants, speeding, impaired driving and motorcycle riders without helmets.
In Arkansas in 2023, passenger cars were involved in 172 fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths.
Motorcycles were involved in 94 fatalities, making up 16% of total traffic deaths.
Light trucks and SUVs recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 189 deaths, representing 32% of the total.
Buses and public transportation vehicles were involved in 11 fatalities, accounting for 2% of all traffic deaths.
Semi and tractor-trailer vehicles were involved in 27 fatalities, contributing 5% of the total.
Pedestrian crashes resulted in 74 fatalities, representing 12% of all traffic deaths.
Ranked as one of the most dangerous Arkansas roads per mile. A fatal crash occurred about every 10.7 miles along this route.
Most total fatal crashes among state highways in recent analyses.
It consistently registers a high number of fatal and serious crashes, especially near West Memphis and Little Rock.
A major high-traffic interstate with significant crash counts and serious collisions due to congestion, speed differentials, and merging traffic hazards.
This interstate has shown a high fatality rate per mile, with fatal accidents occurring more frequently than on longer interstates in the state.
Single vehicle fatal car accidents occur in rural and mountainous areas near Hot Springs and along state highways.
of fatal car accidents in Arkansas happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur in I-30, I-40 and I-430 where traffic congestion is highest.
of fatal car accidents in Arkansas happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
The Honking at a Sandwich Shop Law: In Little Rock, Arkansas, according to the old ordinance code (Code 1961, § 25-74), it is illegal to honk your horn at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9 PM. This law was created due to complaints stemming from noisy disruptions for residents living near late-night diners and drive-ins.
The Mispronunciation Law: In Arkansas, it is technically illegal to mispronounce the name of the state in public. The correct pronunciation is AR-Kan-saw and apparently Arkansas lawmakers were so deeply offended by the alternative the pronunciation of AR-Kan-Sas that they felt compelled to make the correct pronunciation an actual matter of state law. The law was created to settle debates on pronunciation of the state’s name; however, the good news is that you are very unlikely to be punished in any way for violating this law.
The Alligator Law: In Arkansas, it is illegal to keep an alligator in your bathtub. While this has absolutely nothing to do with driving, it is one of those strange old laws that deserves a mention. This old law is often interpreted as a restriction on keeping dangerous exotic pets in residential areas.
The Honking to Pass Law: Under Arkansas Code § 27-51-403, drivers are legally required to honk their horns before passing another vehicle on a rural road or highway. The state encourages drivers to use the horn solely as a safety device and not for personal expression. This is the reason why the state has specific laws prohibiting the use of the horn for non-safety-related matters simultaneously requiring drivers to use the horn to ensure the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.
The Honking in a Traffic Jam Law: In Arkansas, it is illegal to honk your horn in a traffic jam in a way that could be considered aggressive or threatening to other drivers on a public road. This is another one of those horn honking laws that is stem from common sense and basic human decency, requiring drivers to sit quietly and patiently in traffic, helping avoid conflict and road rage incidents.
The Arkansas River Navigation Law: In Arkansas, there are specific laws governing the navigation of motor vehicles near and around the Arkansas River, including regulations about parking too close to the riverbank and driving on unauthorized river access roads. Given the Arkansas River's significant role in the state's geography and transportation history, these laws reflect Arkansas's unique relationship with its most famous waterway and the ongoing need to balance river access with public road safety.
The Grocery Store Parking Lot Speed Limit Law: In Arkansas, grocery store parking lots are subject to specific speed limit regulations, and drivers who exceed the posted speed limit in a grocery store parking lot can face fines and other penalties. Even the most mundane and everyday driving environments in Arkansas are subject to their own specific set of legally enforceable regulations.
The No Reversing on a Public Road Law: In Arkansas, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in reverse on a public road or highway for an excessive distance without a legitimate reason. Arkansas law has very specifically and legally anticipated drivers that miss their exit ramp using the shoulder to drive backword and officially prohibited it in the interest of public road safety!
The Honking Outside a Hospital Law: In Arkansas, it is illegal to honk your car horn within a certain distance of a hospital or medical facility. This law reflects Arkansas's compassionate approach to the needs of hospital patients and medical staff, ensuring that the healing environment of Arkansas's medical facilities is not unnecessarily disrupted by the inconsiderate honking of passing motorists. This somewhat bizarre municipal ordinance does allow for some exceptions, like when using the horn in an aim to prevent an accident and under other safety related conditions.