FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) responded to a pedestrian-involved crash on November 26, 2024, marking the second such incident in the city this week. The accident occurred at the intersection of Wheeler Avenue and South Y Street, where a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
According to FSPD spokesperson Aric Mitchell, the pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Mitchell confirmed that the driver remained at the scene following the incident. “Thankfully, the injuries were not life-threatening, and there was no indication of a felony crime,” Mitchell said. “If the driver had left the scene, it could have been considered a hit-and-run, which is a serious offense.”
This crash comes just days after a separate pedestrian-involved incident on November 24, which authorities are investigating as a hit-and-run. Mitchell emphasized the difference between the two incidents, explaining that a hit-and-run can be classified as a felony if the driver leaves the scene of an accident involving personal injury.
The rising number of pedestrian accidents in Fort Smith has raised concerns. While overall traffic accidents have decreased by over 6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, pedestrian-involved accidents have increased by more than 36%. Mitchell noted that most of these incidents occur outside of intersections, a trend that has been observed in several recent reports.
The increase in pedestrian accidents comes at a time when the state of Arkansas continues to face a high motor-vehicle fatality rate. In 2022, Arkansas had the fourth-highest motor-vehicle fatality rate in the country, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Mitchell pointed out that while hit-and-runs make up a smaller portion of these accidents, they remain a serious concern for local authorities.
As investigations into both crashes continue, officials are urging drivers and pedestrians alike to exercise caution, especially in areas away from intersections where accidents are more likely to occur.