Police Work Several Accidents on Rainy Roads

A rollover accident on Interstate 540 in Fort Smith caused a chain reaction of accidents Monday morning.

At least one person was injured. The first accident was reported around 11:50 a.m. just before the Kelley Highway Exit in the northbound lane, according to a dispatcher with Arkansas State Police. Three more accidents occurred in the same area in front of the Troop H headquarters.

The dispatcher said at least one car may have struck a light pole. The other accidents appeared to be minor collisions and fender-benders, according to a witness.

After more than a half inch of rain in the area, the roads were wet.

“Some people drive a little bit crazier in the rain, so I don’t like to drive,” said Addie French, of Fort Smith. “I let my husband drive.”

An SUV flipped over around 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of North 11th Street and North B Street. Investigators say the driver of a red Mercury ran a red light and hit a white Volvo.

“The wet roads always play a part in it,” said Officer David Adcock, of the Fort Smith Police Department. “It’s a good time to pay a little less attention to the distractions in the car.”

Some drivers take extra precautions when it is raining.

 “People need to keep in mind that posted speed limits are for perfect weather conditions,” the dispatcher said.