Arkansas, like any state, has its bustling intersections where traffic ebbs and flows, creating a symphony of movement. However, amidst this urban dance, there are intersections notorious for a different kind of performance—one marked by collisions and near-misses.
In recent years, Arkansas has witnessed a troubling uptick in road accidents, raising concerns about the underlying factors contributing to this trend. Earlier this year, the Zebra released a list of 10 US states with the highest number of car accidents. The Natural State surprisingly acquired a fourth position on it.
According to data collected by the US Department of Transportation, Arkansas’s car crash rates spiked a good 24.9% between 2019 and 2020. Its spike marked the third-largest growth nationwide. During the period, Arkansas totaled 21.2 deaths per 100,000 people, following Mississippi and Wyoming closely.
As highways stretch and urban centers expand, the complexities of modern commuting have created a perfect storm for collisions.
Amidst this landscape of increasing road dangers, intersections emerge as focal points of concern. These junctions, where paths cross and traffic converges, have become notorious hotspots for accidents, drawing attention to their unique challenges and hazards.
In the heart of cities, along suburban thoroughfares, they stand as microcosms of the broader road safety issues facing Arkansas. Today, we will take a deeper look at the most accident-prone intersections of the Natural State and understand the threat they pose.
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Asher Avenue and University Avenue
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, the intersection of Asher Avenue and University Avenue stands as a focal point of concern for commuters and residents alike.
The cacophony of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists navigating these streets creates a dynamic and often chaotic environment where the margin for error is slim.
One of the primary factors contributing to the intersection’s notoriety is its high volume of traffic. Asher Avenue and University Avenue serve as vital arteries for commuters traversing Little Rock, linking residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and educational institutions.
The constant ebb and flow of vehicles, coupled with turning lanes and traffic signals, create a recipe for traffic congestion.
Visibility issues further compound the challenges of navigating this intersection. The towering buildings and dense foliage of Little Rock can obstruct sightlines, making it it difficult for drivers to anticipate the movements of other vehicles.
This reduced visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during peak traffic hours or inclement weather conditions.
N 46th Street and W Walnut Street
The intersection of N 46th Street and W Walnut Street in Rogers is a stark reminder of the hazards faced by commuters in urban settings. Despite its seemingly tranquil surroundings, this junction has earned quite a reputation as an accident-prone intersection.
The road crash on the morning of January 24, 2024, serves as an accurate example of the same. Occurring at the N 46th Street and Walnut Street intersection at around 7 AM, it involved two cars and resulted in four injuries. The injured included two motorists and two pedestrians.
All four of them were sent to hospital immediately, with none suffering life-threatening injuries, it was later revealed. While the cause behind the collision wasn’t revealed, it did contribute to the already growing collision rates of the intersection.
This is what sets N 46th Street and W Walnut Street apart – its unexpected frequency of collisions. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses, this intersection serves as a vital artery for commuters navigating Rogers’ suburban landscape.
One of the primary challenges of this intersection is its layout and design. Its multiple lanes of traffic intersecting at various angles can be disorienting for drivers. This complexity boosts the chances of misjudgments and miscalculations, leading to rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other types of accidents.
A majority of drivers caught up in rear-end collisions in Rogers consider filing a lawsuit to be the safest alternative. This is especially true if one hopes to receive the rightful compensation.
However, it’s not always the easiest path to take. Keith Law Group observes that filing a lawsuit, particularly in a civil court, can be difficult.
Knowing a Rogers car accident attorney can come in extremely handy in situations like these. They’ll not only take care of all the legalities for you but also ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
N College Avenue and E Joyce Boulevard
The intersection of N College Avenue and E Joyce Boulevard serves as a critical juncture where the city’s bustling thoroughfares intersect. Recently, it has also become a hotspot for accidents and collisions.
N College Avenue and E Joyce Boulevard serve as major arteries for people traveling to and from Fayetteville’s downtown core. The constant flow of vehicles, coupled with the need for pedestrians to cross safely, leads to an ever-present potential for accidents.
The intersection’s proximity to the University of Arkansas campus adds another layer of complexity to the mix. The influx of students, faculty, and visitors, particularly during peak hours, intensifies traffic congestion and increases the risk of accidents.
Besides the danger of accidents at the intersection, the E Joyce Boulevard itself is a hotspot for potential crashes.
In November last year, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported an SUV crashed into the Orangetheory Fitness Center through the front door. The crash injured nine patrons in the business, out of which eight were immediately transported to a nearby medical facility.
The initial investigation found that the cause of the crash was the SUV’s presumption of his vehicle being in reverse gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are accidents at intersections common in the US?
Yes, they are. The US Federal Highway Administration (FHA) revealed that half of all the traffic injuries, and a quarter of all traffic fatalities, take place in or near intersections. This alone highlights the increased vulnerability of both drivers and pedestrians on intersections.
What is the busiest road in Arkansas?
Arkansas’s official traffic account reveals that Interstate 40 is the busiest road in the state. The road’s stretch between I-30 and U.S. Highway 67 remains the busiest all year long. The interstate faces slightly more traffic in eastern Arkansas than in the western parts of the state, mainly due to the growing prevalence of trucks in the latter.
What type of collision is most common at intersections?
Side-impact collisions are the most commonly occurring collision at intersections. Also referred to as “T-bone collision,” these collisions occur when the front of a vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. Other types of collisions that take place at intersections include read-end and head-on collisions.
To sum it all up, intersections pose an elevated threat of collisions and other related accidents, not just in Arkansas but across the country.
We’ve highlighted the Natural State’s three deadliest intersections, where this threat is even more potent. Keeping it in mind, it’s recommended to practice extra caution while traveling on them.
