Arkansas Car Accident Statistics
Across the country, 32,675 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2014, a slight decrease from the year before. Arkansas however has bucked the national trend, and has enjoyed steadily falling fatality rates between the years of 2005 (654 deaths) and 2014 (466 deaths). Upon closer examination though, the state has witnessed an increase in the number of bicycle deaths and spiking in rates in the number of pedestrian and motorcyclist fatalities.
Arkansas Fatal Accident Statistics
345 passenger vehicle occupants were killed on Arkansas roads in 2014. Of them, 149 passengers were wearing their seat belt at the time of the accident, 166 were not restrained, and it is unknown if restraints were used in the deaths of 30 people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that in 2014 alone, 106 lives could have been saved by wearing seat belts.
Alcohol played a role in the deaths of 135 people involved in motor vehicle crashes, an increase from 2012 when 121 alcohol related deaths occurred, but a significant decrease from 2006, when 200 people were killed in alcohol related accidents.
Speed related deaths have fallen in Arkansas, from a high of 108 in 2009 and 2010, to 55 in 2014. As a comparison, speed played a role in the deaths of 9,262 motor vehicle accident victims across the country in 2014.
Fatal Pedestrian, Motorcycle, and Bicycle Motor Vehicle Accidents
The number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents in Arkansas continues to be problem. From a high of 47 pedestrian fatalities in 2012, to a low of 31 in 2006, there is no steady or constant decline in the number of pedestrians killed between 2005 and 2014. This is a clear signal that the state needs to do more to ensure the safety of walkers, runners, and joggers on state roads.
The number of fatal bicycle motor vehicle accidents is also of concern, as the number has generally increase between 2005 and 2014. In fact, seven bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2014, as opposed to only three in 2005.
Motorcycle fatalities are also worrisome as the rates show no steady or even gradual trending towards safer roadway experiences. In fact, 63 bikers died on Arkansas roads in 2005, 84 died in 2010, and 61 died in 2014.
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident? Call Us Today!
Arkansas roads are dangerous. If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one in a fatal crash, you need a dedicated team of attorneys and legal professionals fighting for your rights. Our attorneys have a long and proven record of helping the victims of car accidents get the compensation they deserve.
Call us today if you or a loved one were injured in
- Commercial bus accident
- School bus accident
- Pedestrian accident
- Bicycle accident
- Truck accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Commercial vehicle accident
- Semi‐truck accident
We’ll fight insurance companies, negligent operators, and reckless drivers to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.