Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with a population of over 7 million people. As the population grows, so does the number of vehicles on the roads, increasing the risk of accidents. The state has seen a steady increase in fatal accidents over the years, with 1,000 fatalities recorded in 2019 alone.
Factors surrounding fatal accidents in AZ
Impaired driving is a major contributing factor to fatal accidents in Arizona. Data from the ADOT shows that alcohol and drugs were involved in over 5,000 crashes in 2019, resulting in over 400 fatalities. The state has strict DUI laws, but enforcement is not always consistent. Law enforcement agencies have been working to increase patrols and educate drivers on the dangers of impaired driving. The state also offers treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance abuse to prevent future accidents.
Distracted driving is another major cause of fatal accidents in Arizona. In 2019, there were almost 10,000 crashes caused by distracted driving, resulting in 80 fatalities. The state has implemented laws that prohibit texting while driving, but enforcing these laws can be difficult. It’s important for drivers to remain focused on the road and avoid any distractions that could lead to an accident.
Speeding is another major contributor to fatal accidents in Arizona. In 2019, there were over 11,000 crashes caused by speeding, resulting in over 300 fatalities. The state has implemented speed limits on all roads, but drivers often exceed these limits, putting themselves and others at risk. The ADOT has been working to improve infrastructure and increase speed limit enforcement to reduce the number of accidents caused by speeding.
The infrastructure and wrongful death cases
Arizona’s highways and roads can also contribute to fatal accidents. Many of the state’s highways are in need of repair or expansion, leading to congestion and accidents. The ADOT has been working to improve infrastructure throughout the state, but more work is needed to ensure that roads and highways are safe for drivers. The state has also implemented the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to move to the next lane or slow down when passing emergency vehicles, to reduce the number of accidents involving first responders.
Fatal accidents in Arizona are a tragic reality that impact many families and communities. Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate infrastructure are among the leading causes of these accidents. It’s important for drivers to be aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them, including following traffic laws, remaining focused on the road, and adjusting their driving to account for weather and road conditions. With continued efforts to improve infrastructure and enforce traffic laws, we can work together to reduce the number of fatal accidents in Arizona and keep our roads safe.