In Arizona, vehicle crash statistics for 2023 show that a total of 122,247 crashes were reported statewide resulting in 54,198 injuries and 1,307 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest years on Arizona roads. On average, approximately 3.6 people were killed each day, while one person was injured every 10 minutes. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for nearly 26% of all fatal crashes and speeding continued to be one of the leading causes of deadly accidents. Single-vehicle crashes represented about 15.8% of all crashes but accounted for more than 26% of fatal crashes, highlighting the severity of roadway-departure incidents. Pedestrian fatalities remained a major concern with 271 pedestrian deaths reported statewide, while motorcycle fatalities increased to 258 deaths. Urban areas recorded the majority of fatalities and injuries due to higher traffic density, though rural roads continued to experience a high rate of severe crashes because of high-speed travel and long-distance highways. Overall, factors such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and failure to wear seatbelts remained major contributors to serious and fatal accidents across the state.
Passenger cars accounted for 329 traffic fatalities, representing approximately 25% of all roadway deaths in Arizona.
Motorcycle-related crashes resulted in 257 fatalities, making up about 20% of total traffic deaths statewide.
Light trucks and SUVs were involved in 265 fatalities, also contributing nearly 20% of all fatal crashes.
Bus and public transportation vehicles were linked to 43 fatalities, representing around 3% of traffic deaths.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers were involved in 22 fatalities, contributing about 2% of statewide roadway deaths.
Pedestrian fatalities reached 271 deaths, accounting for approximately 21% of total roadway fatalities in Arizona.
It's one of Arizona's deadliest highways, especially between Phoenix and Flagstaff. High speeds, steep grades, sharp curves, heavy truck traffic and wrong-way crashes contribute to frequent fatal accidents.
Running across southern Arizona through Phoenix and Tucson, I-10 experiences severe congestion, high-speed collisions, dust storms and heavy commercial truck traffic, making it one of the most dangerous interstates in the state.
Connecting Phoenix to Payson, SR-87 is notorious for head-on collisions, speeding, rollover crashes and dangerous mountain driving conditions. It has long been associated with high fatality rates.
Particularly dangerous in eastern Arizona and through the Phoenix metro area. Drivers face sharp curves, canyon roads, congestion and aggressive driving, leading to many serious crashes.
One of the busiest freeways in the Phoenix region, Loop 202 sees frequent multi-vehicle accidents caused by heavy commuter traffic, speeding, lane changes and distracted driving.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents happen in rural and suburban areas surrounding Phoenix and Tucson.
of fatal car accidents in Arizona happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents happen on busy urban freeways such as I-10, I-17, Loop 101 and Loop 202.
of fatal car accidents in Arizona happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
When Riding a Horse You Have to Abide by Car Laws - Under Arizona law, horse riders are required to comply with all regular traffic laws. The state categorizes all rideable animals including camels and donkeys as vehicles. In the eyes of Arizona law a horse-pulled carriage is a motor vehicle.
Don't You Dare Startle Livestock - Motorists approaching livestock on the highway are required to slow down and take reasonable steps to avoid frightening the animals. If the animals appear spooked, the driver has to reduce speed and, if required stop entirely until the situation is under control. Basically what this means is that livestock such as horses and cattle always have the right of way.
The "Stupid Motorist Law" (Yes, That's Its Real Nickname) - Arizona's Revised Statutes §28-910, nicknamed the "Stupid Motorist Law," holds drivers liable for the costs of emergency rescue services if they become stranded when attempting to cross flooded roadways after bypassing barricades. The liability is capped at $2,000 per incident, and that charge can be collected by a combination of public agencies and private rescue organizations that incurred the costs of the rescue.
Motorcycle Lane Filtering Law - The state of Arizona allows motorcyclists to drive between lanes or as it is better known as filtering, under strict conditions. In order to legally filter through lanes on your motorcycle in the state of Arizona the traffic must all be stopped and the road must contain two or more lanes. Additionally, the motorcyclists are strictly prohibited from driving at a fast rate of speed.
No Sneaky Gas Station Shortcuts - In Arizona it is strictly forbidden to use gas stations or any other private property to avoid stopping at traffic signals and stop signs. The practice is illegal and can jeopardise the safety of other drivers as well as pedestrians. Needless to say if you get caught driving through a gas station or a parking lot to skip the red light it will land you a hefty violation.
Motorcycles: Helmets Optional, Goggles Mandatory - While the state of Arizona encourages all motorcycle riders to were a helmet while riding, if you're 18 or older, you are not required to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. If your motorcycle doesn't have a protective windshield, however, you must wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield at all times while riding. It is kind of unusual that the state mandates you to protect your eyes but not your head.
Riding in the Back of a Pick Up Truck - While many states prohibit transporting people in the pickup truck bed you can legally do it in Arizona granted you meet some basic requirements. To legally ride in the truck bed you must be 16 years of age or older and the vehicle is prohibited from driving on highways, meaning you will need to stick to local streets.
Mudflaps are Required on Lifted Trucks - The state of Arizona requires all lifted trucks to have rear fender splash guards/mudflaps that cover the full tire tread and extend within eight inches of the ground. This law is aimed at protecting the cars and pedestrians from rocks and other debris that may be thrown by the trucks rear tires.