27-53-202. Reports of accidents required - Supplemental reports.
27-53-203. Incapacity to make report.
27-53-204. Coroners to report deaths.
27-53-205. Incorporated municipalities may require reports.
27-53-206. Approved forms to be used.
27-53-207. Tabulation and analysis.
27-53-208. Use of accident and supplemental reports.
27-53-209. Reports open to public inspection.
27-53-211. Inspection of accident scenes for safety improvements.
Cross References. Accident reports, § 27-19-501 et seq.
Preambles. Acts 1953, No. 90 contained a preamble which read:
“Whereas, the Department of Arkansas State Police has been issuing copies of reports covering motor vehicle accidents on the highways of this State; and
“Whereas, the issuing of such reports has become so numerous, and the expense and additional work incident to the preparation and certification of the many thousands of these reports requested annually has become so great, the Department should be reimbursed therefor;
“Now, therefore .”
Effective Dates. Acts 1937, No. 300, § 165: Mar. 23, 1937. Emergency clause provided: “It is hereby ascertained and determined by the General Assembly that the proper regulation of traffic on the highways is a necessary function of the State Government, and that the loss of life and property under the present laws creates an emergency. Therefore, this act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, shall go into effect immediately upon its passage and approval.”
Acts 1953, No. 90, § 4: Feb. 18, 1953. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is hereby declared by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that the Department of State Police is suffering considerable expense as a result of providing photostatic copies of motor vehicle accident reports to various persons, companies and corporations for which no charge is now made, with the result that the work of the Department with respect to highway patrol and its other functions is retarded; therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”
Acts 1963, No. 272, § 4: Mar. 18, 1963. Emergency clause provided: “It has been found and is hereby declared by the General Assembly of the state of Arkansas that the department of state police is suffering considerable expense as a result of providing photostatic copies of motor vehicle accident reports and records of traffic law violations to various persons, companies and corporations with the result that the work of the department with respect to highway patrol and its other functions is retarded; therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this act being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.”
Research References
ALR.
“Amnesty” provision whereby automobile driver leaving scene of accident may report to police within stated time without risk of use of his report against him. 36 A.L.R.4th 907.
Ark. L. Rev.
Constitutional Law - “Hit and Run” Statutes and the Privilege Against Self-Incrimination, 26 Ark. L. Rev. 81.