By Michael Adkison
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)— Car accidents at the University of Arkansas occur most often at intersections on busy streets, according to data from UAPD.
Drivers reported 170 accidents, according to a query report on motor vehicle accidents covering February 2019 to February 2020
Most accidents occurred on Razorback Road (48), Maple Street (38), Arkansas Avenue (22), and Garland Avenue (17).
Layla Hale, a U of A student, says she constantly worries about traffic safety when she crosses Maple Street.
“It seems like they don’t pay attention,” Hale said. “And sometimes when I’m driving, it seems like the pedestrian’s not paying attention.”
In February 2019, a driver struck and killed a University of Arkansas student walking across Garland Avenue. Hale said she doesn’t think drivers have taken any extra precautions since the fatality.
“I feel that it’s the same,” Hale said. “It didn’t make a difference.”
Student Enrique Ayon said he feels safe walking around campus despite the risk of reckless drivers.
“You will have people that are reckless driving,” Ayon said, “They don’t really see pedestrians, so they just keep going anyways. But you got to, I guess, acknowledge us.”
Most traffic accidents occurred near intersections on high-traffic roads, such as the roundabout on Stadium Drive and Clinton Drive.
“We don’t have a spot or location that is considered ‘dangerous,’” Gary Crain, captain of UAPD, said. “[Traffic accidents] are widespread all over campus.”
Crain said UAPD prioritizes patrolling streets with higher speed limits where most accidents occur.
Hale said one beneficial tool for reckless drivers are speed limit indicators, including the one on Garland Avenue.
“It makes you think about it,” she said. “It shows you how fast you’re going, and it tells you to slow down.”
More than fifteen motor-vehicle accidents took place on Garland Avenue since the fatal incident last February, despite the speed limit indicator.