Crash Data

Arizona sees fewer vehicle crashes, fewer people injured in 2018, but more fatalities

Arizona sees fewer vehicle crashes, fewer people injured in 2018, but more fatalities

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona sees fewer vehicle crashes, fewer people injured in 2018, but more fatalities

Arizona sees fewer vehicle crashes, fewer people injured in 2018, but more fatalities

June 18, 2019

PHOENIX – Arizona saw fewer crashes, fewer fatal crashes, fewer injury crashes and fewer crash-caused injuries on its roadways in 2018 compared to 2017, according to the 2018 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report that was released today.

However, despite reductions in those key areas, the number of total traffic fatalities increased by 1%. In 2018, 1,010 people killed in vehicle collisions on all of Arizona’s roads compared to 998 in 2017.

The Arizona Department of Transportation produces the annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts Report, which is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided to ADOT by law enforcement agencies around the state. The report reflects crash data for all Arizona roadways, including city streets, county roads, reservation roads and state highways.

The rising number of traffic fatalities can’t be solved by state agencies alone – 68% of crashes occur on roads other than state highways. In fact, real change must begin in the driver’s seat because driver behavior is a factor in more than 90% of crashes.

Some of those behaviors saw better results in 2018 versus 2017, but there are still too many preventable collisions, fatalities and injuries occurring on Arizona’s roads.

From 2017 to 2018, Arizona saw fewer deaths in alcohol-related crashes, speeding-related crashes and those not wearing seat belts. In fact, alcohol-related fatalities were reduced significantly last year, falling from 324 in 2017 to 261 in 2018. These reductions were accomplished despite Arizona seeing its total licensed drivers grow by nearly 90,000 to 5.3 million and the total number of vehicles registered in the state surpass 6 million for the first time.

The number of people killed not wearing seat belts fell for the fourth year in a row – from 258 in 2015 to 216 in 2018 – but unbuckled occupants still account for more than a fifth of all traffic fatalities.

Total crashes and fatalities involving motorcycles and bicyclists also saw a decrease. The total number of collisions involving motorcycles fell by 6% and fatalities dropped from 161 in 2017 to 150 in 2018. Collisions involving bicyclists saw a 14.6% decrease and fatalities (24) fell to the lowest total since 2012.

Pedestrians account for nearly a quarter of the 1,010 killed in vehicle crashes. Pedestrian-related fatalities have climbed from 155 in 2014 to 245 in 2018. Most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas and pedestrians should cross streets only at marked crosswalks where drivers expect to see them.

Officially, there were 11,898 drivers engaged in “distracted driving behavior” that were involved in collisions, including 42 fatal crashes. However, it is widely accepted that number of crashes caused by distracted drivers is much higher than reported because distracted drivers that cause crashes typically don’t admit to the act or died in the crash.

The 2018 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report and previous reports are available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Attachments

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant aids ADOT crash-data gathering efforts

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant aids ADOT crash-data gathering efforts

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant aids ADOT crash-data gathering efforts

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant aids ADOT crash-data gathering efforts

December 7, 2018

PHOENIX – A grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety will help the Arizona Department of Transportation enhance the collection of vehicle crash data that, in turn, will allow transportation engineers, law enforcement and researchers better examine traffic collision trends, as well as the causes of fatalities and serious injuries.

GOHS awarded a $79,000 grant to ADOT’s Crash Records Unit, which will fund the annual licensing fees for the use of Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS), a leading data collection and management tool, and add a mapping utility to the software bundle. This grant also allows ADOT to provide access to TraCS to Arizona law enforcement agencies at no cost.

“TraCS is instrumental in gathering and analyzing crash data, making it a vital resource for traffic-safety stakeholders,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We thank the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and Director Alberto Gutier for their efforts to make Arizona’s roads safer.”

ADOT is responsible under state law for compiling crash data and creating comprehensive reports that government agencies, nonprofit groups and other entities statewide use to improve traffic safety. That includes annual Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts reports.

The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety is the focal point for highway safety issues in Arizona. The cabinet agency provides leadership by developing, promoting and coordinating programs; influencing public and private policy; and increasing public awareness of highway safety.

For more information about the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, please visit: gohs.az.gov.

For more information about ADOT, please visit: azdot.gov

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant boosts ADOT crash-data gathering

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant boosts ADOT crash-data gathering

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant boosts ADOT crash-data gathering

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant boosts ADOT crash-data gathering

November 20, 2017

PHOENIX – A grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety is helping the Arizona Department of Transportation collect fuller and more accurate vehicle crash data that, in turn, will help transportation engineers, law enforcement and researchers examine trends and causes of fatalities and serious injuries.

The $389,520 grant provides critical financial support for ADOT's Crash Records Unit, including annual licensing fees to use Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS), a data collection and management tool. Through this grant money, ADOT provides access to TraCS to Arizona law enforcement agencies at no cost.

"TraCS is considered to be one of the best software platforms in the nation for managing electronic forms associated with traffic stops and crash reports," ADOT Director John Halikowski said. "Support from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety and Director Alberto Gutier is invaluable to collecting crash data and identifying trends, helping make Arizona’s roads safer."

ADOT is responsible under state law for compiling crash data and creating comprehensive reports that government agencies, nonprofit groups and other entities statewide use to improve traffic safety. That includes annual Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts reports.

The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety is the focal point for highway safety issues in Arizona. The cabinet agency provides leadership by developing, promoting and coordinating programs; influencing public and private policy; and increasing public awareness of highway safety.

For more information about the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, please visit: gohs.az.gov.

From the Director: Somber statistics on Arizona vehicle crashes

From the Director: Somber statistics on Arizona vehicle crashes

From the Director: Somber statistics on Arizona vehicle crashes

From the Director: Somber statistics on Arizona vehicle crashes

June 27, 2017

2016 Crash Facts Report

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director

Traffic fatalities on Arizona’s local roads and state highways climbed higher for the second straight year. Driver behavior continues to be the leading factor in motor vehicle collisions.

Making travel safer begins before drivers turn the ignition. Too many people make the deadly decision to drive impaired, whether by alcohol, prescription pills or other drugs, and put all of us at risk. None of us should accept this selfish behavior and it’s everyone’s business to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. I’m asking all of us take the initiative and drive safely behind the wheel.

In 2016, 962 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, 65 more than the year before, representing a 7.3 percent increase. The number of collisions also went up, rising 8.6 percent to 126,845. These increases follow national trends.

If motorists made better choices like wearing a seat belt, paying attention, obeying speed limits, and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, lives would be saved. I know you would agree with me that we all have a responsibility to make wise choices when driving.

If you would like to learn more about our state’s statistics, the Arizona Department of Transportation publishes an annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. You can find the 2016 report at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Please join me in sharing these important statistics with family, friends and neighbors. Let’s all do our part to decrease the number of fatalities and crashes in Arizona.


Director-Halikowski-headshot

 

This post originally appeared on ADOT Director John Halikowski's
LinkedIn page. He has led the agency since 2009.

 

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

June 21, 2017

PHOENIX – Traffic fatalities on Arizona’s local roads and state highways climbed higher for the second straight year and driver behavior continues to be a leading factor in motor vehicle collisions, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

In 2016, 962 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, 65 more than the year before, representing a 7.3 percent increase. The number of collisions also went up, rising 8.6 percent to 126,845. The increases in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in Arizona follow national trends.

The Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided to ADOT by law enforcement agencies around the state. A glance at the report reveals how better decisions made by motorists can save lives. Seat belts, speeding and reckless driving, and impairment are among the leading factors in traffic fatalities:

  • Buckle up – 250 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt.
  • Pay attention and obey speed limits – Speeding too fast for conditions is the most common driver violation and rear end is the most common manner of collision.
  • Don’t drive impaired – Annually, impaired driving crashes account for about 4 percent of all collisions and one-third of fatal collisions. Crashes involving impairment related to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication killed 406 people and injured 4,089 in 2016.

“Making travel safer begins before drivers turn the ignition,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Too many people make the deadly decision to drive impaired, whether by alcohol, prescription pills or other drugs, and put all of us at risk. None of us should accept this selfish behavior and it’s everyone's business to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.”

For the second year in a row, 406 people were killed in impaired driving-related collisions. However, alcohol-related fatalities decreased – falling from 329 people killed in 2015 to 307 in 2016 – while fatalities related to illegal drugs or prescription medication increased – rising from 77 in 2015 to 99 people killed in 2016.

“The gains made in reducing alcohol-related crashes and fatalities are steps in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Driving impaired is a choice and people need to be aware that it’s a choice they don’t have to make – there are many other ways to get home safely.”

The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006. While collisions and fatalities have risen in recent years, 2016 totals are below where they were a decade ago, despite having nearly one million more licensed drivers and registered vehicles traveling today on Arizona’s roadways than in 2007.

“Impaired drivers continue to take the lives of our love ones and it is time for the community to spread the message that impaired driving is unacceptable,” said Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I call on every driver to call 911 if impaired driving is suspected. Friends and family members must make every effort to take the keys away from impaired individuals or to call 911 for help when intervening.”

Pedestrian-involved crashes and fatalities spiked in 2016. The number of pedestrians killed rose to 197 in 2016 from 163 the year before and crashes increased by 16 percent, from 1,408 in 2015 to 1,637 last year.

The number of motorcycle operators and passengers killed in traffic crashes went up in 2016 to 144 from 134 the year before.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, noted the decline in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts, which fell from 258 in 2015 to 250 last year.

“While we’re encouraged to see a decrease, one death is still too many,” said Dr. Christ. “Make sure everyone is buckled up every time, regardless of how far, fast or familiar your drive may be.”

Here are other figures from the 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • 574 fatal crashes occurred on other roadways, such as county roads or city streets, and 291 fatal crashes occurred on the state highway system.
  • 525 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 437 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 78.8 percent occurred in urban areas and 21.2 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 67 percent occurred in urban areas and 33 percent occurred in rural areas.
  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.11 hours.
  • Seven in 10 crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • More crashes occurred in March than any other month with 11,391.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2016 with 22,133, while the most fatal crashes – 150 – occurred on Saturdays.

The ADOT 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

ADOT, other public safety agencies and partner organizations work to promote safety on all roadways through the Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a framework for reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries. Emphasis areas addressed in the report include speeding and reckless driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, motorcycle safety and distracted driving.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety boosts ADOT crash data reporting

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety boosts ADOT crash data reporting

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety boosts ADOT crash data reporting

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety boosts ADOT crash data reporting

November 3, 2016

PHOENIX ‒ Crash data the Arizona Department of Transportation compiles from agencies around the state is invaluable for law enforcement, researchers and others examining trends behind fatalities and injuries on all state roadways.

A $354,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety will enable ADOT to get more agencies using an online system for submitting crash data, and help ADOT staff keep the data and its systems for collecting it up to date.

It follows previous Governor's Office of Highway Safety grants aimed at upgrading what had been a cumbersome process of manually reviewing volumes of documents sent by law enforcement agencies around the state and then entering them in a database.

"Improving our state's ability to identify trends in motor vehicle crashes helps make Arizona safer for everyone," ADOT Director John Halikowski said. "Support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety helps ADOT and its partners work toward a goal of zero deaths on our roads."

ADOT is responsible under state law for compiling crash data and creating comprehensive reports that government agencies, nonprofit groups and other entities statewide use to improve traffic safety. That includes annual Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts reports.

The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety is the focal point for highway safety issues in Arizona. The cabinet agency provides leadership by developing, promoting and coordinating programs; influencing public and private policy; and increasing public awareness of highway safety.

For more information about the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, please visit: azgohs.gov.

How we looked at safety devices in explaining the 2015 Crash Facts report

How we looked at safety devices in explaining the 2015 Crash Facts report

How we looked at safety devices in explaining the 2015 Crash Facts report

How we looked at safety devices in explaining the 2015 Crash Facts report

June 8, 2016

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications

In reporting last week that motor vehicle crashes on Arizona's local roads and highways claimed 895 lives in 2015, 121 more than the year before, ADOT highlighted three numbers from the latest Motor Vehicle Crash Facts annual report:

  • 313 of those killed weren’t using a seat belt, child safety device or helmet.
  • 300 of those killed were involved in crashes related to exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions.
  • 295 of those killed were involved in alcohol-related crashes.

This was in no way ranking one area against another, and we took care to note that more than one of these areas could be a factor in a particular fatal crash.

We broke out these numbers in this way because each area shows how making better decisions can save lives.

You may wonder why we grouped the use of seat belts, child safety devices and helmets rather than considering helmets and vehicle restraints separately. After all, isn't riding a motorcycle very different from operating a vehicle with four wheels?

First, here's where the 313 comes from:

For motor vehicles, 195 fatalities involved drivers not wearing seat belts and 57 involved passengers who didn't use seat belts or weren't in child restraints. For motorcycles, 59 operators who were killed weren't wearing helmets and two passengers who were killed weren't wearing helmets.

The reason we considered restraints and helmets together lies in the Crash Facts report, which, among other ways of looking at the data, lists whether those killed or injured were "not using a safety device." That encompasses seat belts, child restraints and helmets.

In presenting the information this way, we're calling attention to the importance of safety devices regardless of how a person gets around. While you can't control decisions other drivers make, such as drinking and driving, using a safety device appropriate to the vehicle you are operating – or one you are riding in or on – can save your life.

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

June 1, 2016

PHOENIX – Motor vehicle crashes on local roads and highways across the state claimed the lives of 895 people in 2015, 121 more than the year before, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. 

The statistical report summing up data provided by law enforcement agencies around the state provides some sobering information about motor vehicle crashes last year, including the 15.6 percent increase in fatalities, compared to 774 deaths that occurred in 2014. The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006.

The numbers highlight how better decisions can save lives when it comes to the following factors, some of which can apply to the same crashes:

  • 313 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt, child safety device or helmet, which represents a 17.7 percent increase from 2014.
  • 300 of those killed were involved in crashes related to exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, a 25.5 percent increase from 2014.
  • 295 of those killed were involved in alcohol-related crashes, a 9.7 percent increase from 2014.

“One death will always be too many, and there are things all drivers can do to reduce the number of crash deaths, starting with buckling up, obeying speed limits and reducing speed when conditions warrant,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

“When you are behind the wheel, job number one is driving – not looking at your phone, not reading, not personal grooming, not anything that takes your attention away from the road. It is dangerous and disrespectful for everyone sharing the road with you. Just drive!” said Halikowski.

Total crashes in the state rose to 116,609 in 2015 from 109,664 the year before. Total injuries rose as well, with 53,554 in 2015 compared to 50,988 in 2014.

After falling every year since 2011, alcohol-related crashes rose slightly to 4,941 in 2015 from 4,906 the year before, while the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes rose to 295 last year from 269 in 2014. According to the Crash Facts report, 16.2 percent of drivers in fatal crashes last year had been drinking, while 4.8 percent of drivers in fatal crashes appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

“It’s tragic and frustrating to see increases in fatalities involving impaired driving,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “We’ll never stop efforts to get people to do the right thing, including arranging for a designated driver. And we’ll fully back law enforcement and their dedication to getting impaired drivers off the road.”

Speed and aggressive driving remained key factors contributing to crashes, with 17 percent of drivers in fatal crashes going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit. The report also shows 38 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit.

“Without a doubt, the number of crash fatalities would be dramatically reduced if more drivers would slow down and obey speed limits,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Our troopers are focused on stopping aggressive speeders. Changing bad driving behaviors is a key to highway safety.”

Motorcycle fatalities in Arizona rose to 134 in 2015 from 128 the year before. Twenty-nine bicyclists died in crashes during 2015, the same number as the year before, though the number of crashes involving bicycles fell to 1,434 last year from 1,744 in 2014.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, also noted the increase in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts or other safety devices, which rose from 266 in 2014 to 313 last year.

“Accidents happen when we least expect it,” said Dr. Christ. “These numbers show how important it is to make sure you and all your passengers are buckled in properly to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse.”

The number of pedestrians killed in crashes rose to 161 in 2015 from 155 the year before, though crashes involving pedestrians declined to 1,399 from 1,565 in 2014.

Here are other figures from the 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.79 hours.
  • 471 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 424 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 77.9 percent occurred in urban areas and 22.1 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 56.4 percent occurred in urban areas and 43.6 occurred in rural areas.
  • Nearly three-quarters of all crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2015 with 19,971, while the most fatal crashes – 154 – occurred on Saturdays.
  • Thanksgiving was the deadliest holiday weekend last year, with 16 motor-vehicle fatalities.
  • Motor vehicle crashes resulted in $3.82 billion in economic losses for Arizona last year.

The ADOT 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts. 

ADOT, other public safety agencies and partner organizations work to promote safety on all roadways through the Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Plan, a framework for reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries. Emphasis areas addressed in the report include speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, motorcycle safety and distracted driving.

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2015, preliminary data show

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2015, preliminary data show

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2015, preliminary data show

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2015, preliminary data show

February 19, 2016

PHOENIX – The figures remain preliminary, but it’s already clear that motor-vehicle crash fatalities on Arizona roadways increased in 2015 – and that speeding, impaired driving and failure to use seat belts and other restraints contributed significantly.

At present, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reporting 891 motor-vehicle crash fatalities for 2015. That number, which is incomplete while ADOT collects reports from law enforcement entities around the state, surpasses the 773 fatalities in motor-vehicle crashes during 2014.

Data through September 2015 show that speeding, impaired driving and failure to use seat belts and other restraints were each factors in more than a third of motor-vehicle crash fatalities.

The increase in fatalities has leaders of state agencies that look after the safety of motorists calling for Arizonans to reflect on how they act in the driver’s seat.

“We often talk about the E’s of traffic safety, including engineering, education and enforcement,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “But another E is equally important, and that is everyone. For Arizona to move toward our goal of zero fatalities, everyone must think about their responsibility to others when they get behind the wheel.”

ADOT collaborates with stakeholder groups and other agencies, including the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Arizona Department of Health Services, to set and work toward goals in the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (azdot.gov/shsp), a comprehensive framework for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all public roadways. Emphasis areas include speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving, occupant protection and motorcycle safety.

“A significant cause of fatal crashes in Arizona, in addition to impairment and failing to use seat belts, is speed, unsafe lane changes and following too close,” said Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Aggressive driving is a crime and puts everyone on the road at risk. If you see it, report it.”

Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said it’s especially important for drivers to understand how poor decisions can end in tragedy.

“Alcohol is involved in more than a third of the fatal crashes across the state,” Gutier said. “Everyone should be aware of just how devastating impaired driving is in this state, and those who put innocent lives at risk by doing so should be prepared to face the consequences.”

“It’s important to securely buckle up all of your passengers,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Creating a healthy environment inside your vehicle includes the use of seat belts and zero distractions. That email or text can wait.”

A final number for 2015 fatalities will be available when ADOT publishes its annual Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report later this year.

The highest annual number of motor-vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona occurred in 2006, with 1,301 on highways and local roads. In the five years preceding 2015, the toll was 773 in 2014, 844 in 2013, 831 in 2012, 754 in 2011 and 762 in 2010.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants boost ADOT crash data efforts

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants boost ADOT crash data efforts

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants boost ADOT crash data efforts

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants boost ADOT crash data efforts

November 16, 2015

PHOENIX – Grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are enabling the Arizona Department of Transportation to improve collection of crash data from law enforcement agencies around the state.

Grants of $508,600 for federal fiscal year 2015 and $106,000 for federal fiscal year 2016 continue to address what had been a cumbersome process of manually reviewing volumes of documents received and then entering them in a database. ADOT is responsible under state law for compiling crash data and creating comprehensive reports from it that government agencies, nonprofit groups and other entities statewide use to improve traffic safety.

The grant funding is allowing ADOT to help more agencies make use of an online system for submitting crash data.

“The grant awards received from the GOHS supports ADOT’s initiative to improve the process of collecting crash data,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “ADOT is proud to be at the forefront through the use of technology to process the crash data received from reporting law enforcement agencies and create vital reports that become the source for making Arizona streets and highways safer.”

The first grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety directly supports work performed by the ADOT Traffic Records Unit to develop reports from the crash data. The second further supports the agency’s electronic reporting efforts.

“Being partners with ADOT and other agencies in state government produces results that can be used to coordinate highway safety programs throughout Arizona and is a model of cooperation in this administration,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is the focal point for highway safety issues in Arizona. The cabinet agency provides leadership by developing, promoting and coordinating programs; influencing public and private policy; and increasing public awareness of highway safety.

For more information about the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, please visit: https://gohs.az.gov/.