The Most Dangerous Roads, Interstates & Intersections in Arkansas
Tough representation when vehicle accidents happen at dangerous locations in Little Rock
Driving is often difficult enough, especially when traffic is heavy or after rainfall. Too many people drive while distracted, intoxicated, or tired. Just a momentary lapse in judgment can cause a fatal crash or an accident that leads to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, chronic back pain, whiplash, or other injuries.
When roads and intersections are dangerous, the odds of accidents, deaths, and serious injuries only increase. According to the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, approximately 55 percent of the roads in Arkansas are rated in fair or poor condition. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we have nearly 40 years of experience
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- What makes roads dangerous
- Why are interstates in Arkansas dangerous?
- Why are highways in Arkansas dangerous?
- Why are Arkansas rural roads dangerous?
- What makes intersections in Arkansas dangerous?
- Who is liable for accidents at dangerous roads, highways, interstates, intersections, and rural roads?
- Do you have a Little Rock dangerous road accident lawyer near me?
What makes roads dangerous
Some of the many factors that make roads dangerous include:
- Heavy traffic
- Bad weather conditions
- Sharp turns
- Confusing signs or the failure to have signs
- Poor visibility
- Poorly painted lanes
- Poorly designed roads and intersections
- Poorly maintained roads and intersections
- Unlevel roads
- Potholes
- A lack of guardrails or barriers
Many other dangerous factors are unique to specific types of roads and intersections.
According to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, 4,674 people died on Arkansas roadways between 2016 and 2023. Arkansas had the fifth-highest roadway death rate nationwide in 2023.
Why are interstates in Arkansas dangerous?
A major reason that interstates in Arkansas are dangerous is that most commercial trucks transporting goods throughout the state rely on these roadways. Commercial trucks are much more difficult to control than cars. Tractor-trailers, rigs, semis, and other commercial trucks are also much bigger and heavier than cars, which means that when accidents happen, there are likely to be more fatalities and serious injuries.
Many non-commercial truck drivers also use interstates during rush hour, when traffic is much heavier and more intense. Speed contributes to dangers as well. The speed limit on many rural interstates in Arkansas is 70 mph. On urban interstates, the speed limit is lower, around 60 to 65 mph, depending on location and roadway design, so drivers should always follow the posted speed limit.
According to Arkansas Inc., three of the most used interstates in Arkansas are:
Interstate 40
This east-west route runs through Arkansas, connecting North Carolina to California.
Interstate 55
This route connects “eastern Arkansas to St. Louis and Chicago to the north and New Orleans to the south.”
Interstate 30
Interstate 30 connects Arkansas to Texas and, through connections with other interstates, to other parts of the Southwest and the Mexican border.
Other interstates that run through Arkansas include (but aren’t limited to) I-440 (which bypasses Little Rock), I-530, I-540, and I-630. New interstates are being planned or are already under construction.
Why are highways in Arkansas dangerous?
The state highways in Arkansas are designed for speed. The higher the speed limit, the more dangerous the highway is, and the more likely accidents are to cause deaths, catastrophic injuries, or permanent injuries. Highways are also dangerous because drivers are constantly trying to pass other vehicles. Additionally, when and where drivers should exit aren’t always clear.
Why are Arkansas rural roads dangerous?
Part of the attraction of Arkansas is its rural communities. Rural roads can be just as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than state highways and federal interstates.
Some of the reasons rural roads are dangerous are:
- Many rural roads are designed for just two lanes, one lane for each direction. This can make passing dangerous and tempt drivers to tailgate.
- Rural roads often don’t have wide shoulders or any shoulders for drivers to use in the event of an emergency.
- There’s often no or little lighting, making driving at night dangerous.
- There’s a danger that deer and other animals may cross the road.
Other rural road dangers include slow-moving tractors and potholes. Additionally, many rural roads don’t have traffic lights. Some don’t even have stop signs, making crossing rural roads at intersections dangerous.
What makes intersections in Arkansas dangerous?
Many accidents happen at intersections because that’s where roads intersect and where vehicles turn. The more traffic that goes through an intersection, the more accidents there are likely to be.
Some of the factors that make intersections dangerous include the following:
- There must be clear regulation of which driver has the right of way. Intersections without traffic lights are generally more dangerous than those with traffic lights.
- Drivers need to understand if and when they can turn right at a red light.
- At intersections without traffic lights, drivers must know which vehicle has the right of way.
- Large trucks need more room to complete their turns.
- Drivers must ensure they can safely complete their turn before the traffic light changes.
- Drivers must know whether there are designated left-turn or right-turn lanes.
- The more lanes of traffic that can turn, the greater the chances of an accident.
Intersections can be especially dangerous for pedestrians and bicycle riders. Cars should stop before the crosswalks. Pedestrians, bicycle riders, and drivers should know when they can and can’t enter the intersection.
Who is liable for accidents at dangerous roads, highways, interstates, intersections, and rural roads?
Drivers should be aware of dangerous road situations and take appropriate precautions, such as slowing down and putting down their smartphones. However, this does not excuse governmental entities, such as the Arkansas Department of Transportation, from their responsibility to design roads and intersections with safety in mind or to properly maintain them when dangerous conditions arise.
At Greer Injury Lawyers PLLC, we file car, truck, motorcycle, and other vehicle accident claims against any driver whose negligence causes an accident, any governmental entities responsible for road design and maintenance, and/or negligent drivers' employers, the owners of the vehicles (if not the drivers), and others.
Do you have a Little Rock dangerous road accident lawyer near me?
Yes. Our lawyers meet personal injury victims and families at our office in Little Rock, located at 415 N McKinley, Suite #250-J, Little Rock, AR 72205. Our attorneys conduct phone and online conversations, too. We can make arrangements to meet you outside our offices if your health prevents you from traveling.
We’ve helped many accident victims obtain strong verdicts and settlements, although past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Call our experienced Little Rock dangerous road accident attorneys now
At Greer Injury Lawyers PLLC, we work with police, investigators, and road construction professionals to determine how accidents occur and who is responsible. To schedule a free consultation, reach out through our contact form. We’re ready to help you today.
