Eureka Springs, AR (April 21, 2025) – A tragic crash on US 62 in Carroll County claimed the lives of two Colorado residents when their vehicle collided head-on with a school bus.
First responders, including medics and local authorities, were called to the scene shortly after 11:25 a.m. The crash occurred when a 2013 Ford Escape, traveling east on US 62, crossed into the westbound lanes and struck a 2022 school bus head-on. The occupants of the Ford, 74-year-old Deborah Clark and 77-year-old Richard Clark, both of Divide, CO, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency crews from Carroll County responded quickly, and officials confirmed that no injuries were reported from the school bus involved in the crash. The road was dry and weather conditions were clear at the time of the collision. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Carroll County Coroner’s Office. The incident remains under investigation. Our sincere condolences go out to the Clark family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
Elderly Driver Safety and Rural Road Risks in Arkansas
Crashes involving elderly drivers on rural highways like US 62 often stem from momentary disorientation, delayed reaction times, or medical conditions that impair driving ability. While age alone does not determine driving safety, it can increase the risk of serious accidents—especially in areas with undivided roads and minimal barriers between opposing traffic lanes.
In rural regions such as Carroll County, head-on collisions are more likely to result in fatalities due to higher speeds and limited roadway separation. Incidents involving school buses are particularly alarming due to the potential number of passengers, though thankfully no additional injuries were reported in this case.
This crash serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive evaluations of driving ability in older adults and the need for continued public awareness about the risks associated with rural driving. Families and healthcare providers can play a vital role in recognizing early signs that a loved one may no longer be safe behind the wheel.
The investigation into what led the Ford Escape to cross into oncoming traffic may provide additional insight into how similar tragedies might be prevented in the future.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
