LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas has recorded 47 fewer roadway deaths so far this year compared with the same period in 2025, according to preliminary data released by Arkansas State Police.
As of Wednesday, July 29, 245 people had died on Arkansas roadways in 2026. At the same point last year, the state had recorded 292 traffic fatalities.
The difference represents a decrease of about 16%.
“We have 47 fewer fatal crashes than we did on the same date last year,” ASP Director Col. Mike Hagar said. “I know these numbers can fluctuate, but that is a significant difference. That represents 47 fewer families whose lives have been permanently changed and 47 fewer death notifications our troopers have had to make.”
Arkansas recorded 569 roadway deaths during all of 2025. Annual traffic deaths totaled 563 in 2024, 566 in 2023, 605 in 2022 and 648 in 2021.
Hagar attributed the decline to proactive enforcement and increased visibility by state troopers.
“We have more motorists on Arkansas highways than ever before, and our population continues to grow,” Hagar said. “Despite that, our troopers are driving fatal numbers down. That’s not a coincidence — that’s the result of hard work and a commitment to saving lives.”
ASP and its Highway Safety Office conduct several public awareness campaigns intended to reduce crashes and fatalities. The campaigns address seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving and roadway awareness involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Troopers also conduct increased DWI patrols around state and federal holidays and enforce posted speed limits throughout the year.
ASP recently launched “Rules of the Road,” a statewide video series explaining common traffic laws and recommended driving practices.
Because the 2026 figures are preliminary, they may change as investigations and reports are completed.
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