The Most Dangerous Roads, Interstates & Intersections in Arkansas

Intersections are the most dangerous spot for all motorists in Arkansas. This is primarily due to a large amount of traffic going through intersections daily. Drivers turning left must pay attention to oncoming traffic. Drivers turning right must try to merge. Even with traffic lights there to help drivers, deadly accidents still occur. More than half of all car accidents occur at intersections across the state.

Why do so many accidents occur at intersections? According to the NSC, the main reason is simply driver distraction. Drivers simply do not pay attention when approaching an intersection. This can result in drivers who run traffic lights or stop signs or drivers who rear-end other drivers at a light because they’re on a cellphone. These accidents are very preventable and should never occur.

Where are the most dangerous intersections in Arkansas?

Arkansas’ interstates are some of the South’s most crowded and congested interstates. Large commercial trucks use these interstates en route to deliver goods across the country. Residents and commuters rely on these interstates to get to and from work in major cities, such as Little Rock and Fayetteville.

Unfortunately, more than 14 percent of all Arkansas car accidents occur on interstates. In 2019 alone, nearly 70 people died in interstate accidents, and thousands more suffered injuries.

Interstate accidents occur in Arkansas for a variety of reasons. However, driver error is the main reason for many of these accidents. From distracted drivers to speeding drivers, drivers in Arkansas make serious driving mistakes daily.

Where are the most dangerous interstates in Arkansas?

Arkansas has miles of rural roads that stretch in all directions across the state. Many accidents occur on these rural roads. Arkansas received the designation of “worst roads in America” from numerous publications over the last 30 years. In 2011, a study found that Arkansas’ rural highways were the fourth-deadliest roads in the country.

Another study shows that the state’s rural roads are more dangerous than freeways and interstates. The study, conducted by an organization known as TRIP, found that rural roads saw as many as three times more fatal Arkansas car accidents than other types of roadways.

Reasons Why Arkansas Rural Roads Are Dangerous

• Poor road conditions
• Inclement weather
• Poor lighting
• Crumbling bridges and infrastructure
• Missing guardrails
• Train crossings
• Animal crossings
• Potholes

Many rural roads in Arkansas also lack adequate safety features, such as wide shoulders, guardrails, and dividers. Fatigued drivers can easily run off the road and into oncoming traffic. According to AAA Traffic Safety Foundation, 21 percent of fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver.

So, what’s the reason why rural roads in Arkansas are so dangerous? The consensus seems to be poor roadway conditions. A release from KASU News states that 23 percent of Arkansas’ rural roadways were in poor condition. This was the 10th highest rate of bad roads in the nation.

Experts say the only way to improve these numbers is to update the roads that connect cities with highways. However, this can be challenging to fund due to a lack of appropriations.

One of the most dangerous rural roads is Masonville Road outside of McGehee. This road winds through farmlands and is the site of multiple fatalities a year.