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Arizona’s roads and highways have unfortunately become more dangerous, according to recent data from the Arizona Department of Transportation. The state recorded a peak in fatal traffic accidents reported within 2022 – higher than ever seen over the previous 14 years – further highlighting an urgent need for renewed commitment toward road safety measures across the state. It’s important to take a look at the following statistics to see the dangers that are present and potentially learn how to avoid them.
In 2022, a staggering 119,991 total crashes were recorded on Arizona roads. Of these incidents, 1,178 turned fatal while an alarmingly high number of accidents – totaling to about 35,878 – resulted in various injuries.
This data paints a clear image of the road safety crisis in the state: On average across those 12 months, one person was killed every six hours and 46 minutes which means almost four people died in traffic fatalities each day.
Additionally, 144 people were injured every day, and one person was injured approximately every 10 minutes.
Alcohol-related accidents posed a significant threat to Arizona’s motorists in the past year. Of the total crashes in the state, 5,489 were alcohol-related; these led to 203 fatalities and 3,538 injuries.
It’s helpful to track when these drinking-related accidents are most common: The deadliest hour for alcohol-related crashes was between 2am and 3am.
A behavior commonly associated with impaired driving is tailgating or failing to adjust speed adequately, which could account for why approximately 40% of alcohol-related collisions were rear-end accidents. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining safe distances between vehicles and being especially vigilant if you suspect another driver might be under the influence.
Alcohol impairment is clearly a significant factor in traffic accidents across Arizona, contributing to 4.57% of all crashes and 17.15% of all fatal incidents, highlighting the dangerous consequences that can result from drunk driving.
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of accidents in Arizona. In fact, it’s estimated that slightly more than 25% of all accidents can be linked back to some form of distraction.
When you think about distracted driving, several things might come immediately to mind. Talking on hands-free devices is one such distraction; even though your hands may remain on the wheel when you’re using a headset or speakerphone, your attention is not fully engaged with the task at hand – operating your vehicle safely.
Another common cause of distracted driving accidents is using hand-held electronic devices, like using your phone to send text messages, configure a GPS system, or even change your music.
While mobile devices make travel easier, using them while driving will compromise your attention and response time to the ever-changing circumstances on the road.
Sadly, car accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists occur quite often, leading to significant injuries and fatalities due to their lack of protection when compared to those in vehicles.
In 2022, there were a total of 1,787 reported accidents involving pedestrians. These incidents resulted in a tragic loss of 287 lives and left another approximate 1,500 individuals suffering from injuries.
Similarly, bicycle accidents were also alarmingly prevalent in Arizona during 2022. Records indicate a total of 1,147 collisions involving bicyclists, with 46 fatalities and 1,101 injuries.
Understanding common car crash statistics is crucial as they shed light on some of the major precipitating factors behind traffic accidents. By doing so, we can take proactive measures to improve our driving habits and potentially help reduce injuries and fatalities on the roads.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Phoenix due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to know your rights and the proper steps needed to protect them. This understanding will increase your chances of getting fair compensation by helping you navigate the complex legal challenges that often arise from such incidents.
Ensuring your immediate safety is an utmost priority following a car accident. If possible, move to a safe location away from the flow of traffic to avoid any additional harm.
Call the police while you’re at the scene. Even in seemingly minor accidents, their reports are critical evidence that ensure an accurate record of what happened and can be a key resource if legal issues or insurance disputes arise later. The accident report will often have witness information and the police officer’s take on how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Even if you believe you may have been at fault – partially or fully – do not admit responsibility at the accident scene. Accidents happen quickly and there might be factors unknown to you that contributed to the incident. Insurance companies or courts will decide who is liable, using all available evidence. Any admission could compromise your level of compensation.
Once everything has settled down a bit and it’s safe to do so, start recording details about what happened through photographs or notes on your phone. Capture pictures from different angles featuring vehicle damage, the accident scene, and anything you think might be relevant to the accident. Make sure you take photos of your injuries as well.
Once your immediate physical needs have been taken care of, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Phoenix. A legal professional can bring enormous value to your case by advising you on next steps, helping you through the complexities of the insurance settlement process and ensuring that any compensation you receive is fair and sufficient to cover all treatment and losses.
If you need help after an accident, you don’t have to handle the situation alone; we’re always here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Arizona car accident lawyer.