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Arizona is a beautiful state with sunny skies, so it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call it home. Unfortunately, although the days may be bright, the roads are not always safe. The Arizona Department of Transportation released the 2021 traffic accident report for the state. In 2021 alone, there were 121,345 car accidents in the state of Arizona, including 1,063 fatal ones.
That comes out to an average of 3.23 people killed and 141 injured every day due to motor vehicle accidents in Arizona — one person was injured every 10 minutes and 11 seconds.
The report also broke down the different types of accidents that occurred throughout the year. Of those crashes, 85,079 were classified as “property damage only” incidents (meaning no injuries were reported). During this period, car accidents resulted in 35,203 reported injuries and 1,063 deaths. This sobering statistic serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and cautious while driving.
In 2021, Arizona experienced a significant number of vehicle accidents that affected various modes of transportation. The number of incidents involving pedestrians reached a staggering 1,714, highlighting the vulnerability of people on foot in the face of vehicular traffic.
Bicycle accidents were also a prominent issue, with 1,027 reported cases, further emphasizing the importance of promoting safe cycling practices and infrastructure to protect those who choose this environmentally-friendly and healthy mode of transport.
Additionally, motorcycle accidents constituted a significant portion of these incidents, with a total of 2,594 recorded in 2021. These figures underscores the need for increased awareness, training, and road safety measures targeted at motorcyclists, who often face greater risks due to their higher exposure to hazards on the road and less protection.
Urban areas are bustling with people, cars, and activity. With so much going on, it’s no surprise that there is a greater risk of car accidents in these locations. There was a significantly higher number of crashes reported in urban areas than rural ones—104,757 vs 16,588 respectively.
In 2021, there were 1,063 total fatal accidents in Arizona, accounting for 1,180 fatalities. That is an 11.95% increase from 2020. The most dangerous day of the week for all types of traffic accidents was Friday while peak hours were between 3-4pm for all types, and 2am-3am for alcohol related ones specifically.
Every day, hundreds of people are injured and killed in alcohol-related car accidents. In Arizona alone, there were 181 fatal accidents caused by alcohol use in 2021, leading to 215 fatalities – an increase of 6.58% from 2020. More than 41% of these alcohol-related crashes were rear-end collisions.
These numbers are alarming and demonstrate why it is so important to never drink and drive or get into a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol. Even if it’s just one or two drinks, your reflexes and judgment can be significantly impaired leading to dangerous driving habits like speeding or not paying attention to other drivers on the road.
In addition to drunk driving, there are many other common causes of car accidents that could easily be avoided by being aware and following basic safety guidelines while driving such as:
There were 121,345 total crashes in Arizona in 2021, an increase of 22.45% compared to 2020. This is a significant increase, and one that should not be taken lightly. more potential for accidents.
Car accidents also come at a great economic cost for all involved parties as well as for the state of Arizona itself. According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, motor vehicle crashes resulted in $20.156 billion in economic losses for the state in 2021. It’s reported that alcohol-related crashes alone resulted in an economic loss of $3,053,825,658.
Of course, those who are most directly affected by these crashes are victims and their families, but economic losses can have a ripple effect throughout entire communities— from higher insurance premiums to lost wages due to time away from work that victims may need to take after an accident occurs.
The consequences of motor vehicle accidents extend beyond physical injury and property damage; they also include emotional trauma and economic losses suffered by individuals affected by these events as well as costs incurred by society at large.
It’s clear from these figures that car accidents are still a major problem in Arizona — and one we should all take seriously by doing our part to drive safely and responsibly every time we get behind the wheel. Keep these numbers in mind next time you get into your car; stay alert and always follow safe driving practices so we can help reduce these numbers going forward.
If you have been involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options moving forward. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.