Arkansas work zone crashes fell nearly 69% between 2021 and 2025, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), which is reporting a dramatic reduction in highway work zone crashes across the state.
ARDOT Director Jared Wiley shared the encouraging figures during the annual Arkansas Good Roads Foundation Board meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
According to the department, Arkansas recorded 2,594 work zone crashes in 2021, compared with just 815 in 2025.
That’s a decrease of 1,779 crashes over the 4-year period, representing a reduction of approximately 68.6%.
Arkansas Work Zone Crash Numbers Show Major Improvement
The latest figures highlight substantial progress in work zone safety across Arkansas.
Work zone crash statistics:
- 2021: 2,594 reported crashes
- 2025: 815 reported crashes
- Total reduction: 1,779 crashes
- Percentage decrease: Approximately 69%
The department previously reported 1,648 work zone crashes in 2024, indicating that the downward trend continued into 2025.
The numbers represent a significant improvement in the reported number of collisions in areas where highway construction, maintenance and other roadway projects are underway.
ARDOT Credits Greater Attention to Work Zone Safety
In its announcement, ARDOT expressed appreciation to Arkansas motorists for becoming more diligent when traveling through construction zones.
The agency acknowledged that work zone safety remains an ongoing concern despite the encouraging statistics.
ARDOT has emphasized highway construction safety through public awareness efforts, including its Slow Down, Phone Down campaign, designed to encourage drivers to reduce speed, eliminate distractions and pay attention to changing road conditions.
The campaign has focused on protecting highway workers, emergency responders and motorists traveling through active construction areas.
Protecting Highway Workers and Arkansas Motorists
Highway work zones present additional hazards because of changing traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, construction equipment and workers operating near moving vehicles.
Drivers are reminded to take additional precautions when approaching and traveling through these areas.
Important work zone safety reminders include:
- Slow down and obey posted work zone speed limits.
- Put away cellphones and avoid distracted driving.
- Watch for construction workers, equipment and flaggers.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Be prepared for sudden stops and changing traffic patterns.
- Follow temporary traffic signs and directions from road crews.
Even with the decrease in crashes, transportation officials continue emphasizing the importance of safe driving around highway construction projects.
ARDOT Says More Work Remains
While the nearly 69% reduction in Arkansas work zone crashes represents encouraging progress, ARDOT says there is still work to do to improve highway safety.
The department’s latest report reinforces the importance of drivers remaining alert and following traffic safety requirements whenever they encounter construction or maintenance operations.
ArkansasRadio.com will continue following transportation safety developments and roadway improvements across Arkansas.
Source: Arkansas Department of Transportation, November 12, 2026
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