Crash Data

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

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Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

June 3, 2015

View the entire report on our website.

ADOT’s annual Crash Facts report is out for 2014 and the newest statistics show that the number of motor-vehicle crash fatalities across the state dropped by nearly 9 percent…

While it’s certainly encouraging to see that number drop, ADOT’s director and leaders of other public safety agencies urge a continued focus on safe-driving behaviors – you can read what they’re saying in this ADOT news release.

According to the 2014 report, 774 people were killed last year on state and local highways and streets, compared to 849 fatalities in 2013. The highest annual number of motor-vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006 (view previous reports on our website).

While fatal crashes and deaths went down last year, the report shows an increase in all crashes. A total of 109,554 crashes occurred across Arizona in 2014, an increase of almost 2 percent compared to 2013 (107,477 crashes). There were 708 fatal crashes in the state last year, compared to 782 in 2013.

The annual figures also show fewer motorcycle riders or passengers died in Arizona last year. There were 127 motorcycle-related deaths in 2014, compared to 149 fatalities in 2013 and 139 such deaths in 2012, according to the report. The annual report shows 28 bicyclists were killed last year, compared to 29 in 2013 and 18 in 2012. Pedestrian deaths also were down just slightly, from 160 in 2013 to 157 in 2014.

A downward trend in alcohol-related fatalities continued last year, with a 6 percent drop. There were 265 alcohol-related deaths on the state’s roads in 2014, compared to 282 in 2013 and 283 in 2012. The total number of reported alcohol-related crashes was down from 5,239 in 2013 to 4,887 in 2014. Sadly, alcohol was involved in more than a third (34 percent) of all fatal crashes.

You can view the 2014 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts Report on our website. Here are some figures from the report:

  • One person was killed in a motor-vehicle crash every 11.33 hours in 2014 (average of 2.12 people killed each day).
  • At least 266 (34 percent) of the 774 people killed in motor-vehicle crashes 2014 were not wearing safety devices, including seat belts and helmets.
  • Urban-area fatalities (397 deaths) decreased more than 10 percent last year (compared to 442 in 2013).
  • Rural-area fatalities (377 deaths) decreased by more than 7 percent last year (compared to 407 in 2013).
  • Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 17 percent of all crashes but also 37 percent of all fatal crashes.
  • Crashes during daylight hours (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) accounted for 72.5 percent of all crashes in 2014, nearly the same as in 2013.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2014 (18,759 crashes).
  • The Thanksgiving weekend was the deadliest holiday weekend on Arizona roadways last year (18 deaths). Nine people were killed in crashes over the July Fourth holiday weekend in 2014.
  • Motor-vehicle crashes resulted in $3.02 billion in economic losses for Arizona last year.

Last year, ADOT and other public safety agencies completed an update of Arizona’s State Highway Safety Plan, a framework for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads in the state. Emphasis areas addressed in the report are speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, motorcycle safety and distracted driving.

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014

June 1, 2015

PHOENIX – The number of deaths in motor-vehicle crashes across the state dropped by nearly 9 percent in 2014, according to annual statistics released by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

An analysis of law enforcement reports on crashes shows 774 people were killed last year on state and local highways and streets, compared to 849 fatalities in 2013, according to ADOT’s 2014 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts.

The highest annual number of motor-vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006.

“While it is encouraging to see a reduction in crash fatalities, all drivers in our state need to focus on the safe behaviors that will keep us moving toward an ultimate goal of zero fatalities,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “The key to having fewer tragic deaths is for all of us to do the smart things, such as buckling up, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired. That would make a remarkable difference.”

The most-common driver violation cited in law enforcement crash reports was “speed too fast for conditions.”

Annual figures also show fewer motorcycle riders or passengers died in Arizona last year. ADOT's report shows 127 motorcycle-related deaths in 2014, compared to 149 fatalities in 2013 and 139 such deaths in 2012.

The annual report shows 28 bicyclists were killed last year, compared to 29 in 2013 and 18 in 2012. Pedestrian deaths also were down just slightly, from 160 in 2013 to 157 in 2014. 

While fatal crashes and deaths went down last year, the report shows an increase in all crashes.  A total of 109,554 crashes occurred across Arizona in 2014, an increase of almost 2 percent compared to 2013 (107,477 crashes). There were 708 fatal crashes in the state last year, compared to 782 in 2013.

“The drop in fatal collisions was positive, but sadly, there are 774 people who did not go home to their families last year,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

“The DPS family, in partnership with ADOT and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, will continue to stress the need for drivers to avoid distractions while also asking the public to help in efforts to keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. We all have a responsibility to strictly obey our state's traffic laws,” said Milstead.

A downward trend in alcohol-related fatalities continued last year, with a 6 percent drop. There were 265 alcohol-related deaths on the state’s roads in 2014, compared to 282 in 2013 and 283 in 2012.

The total number of reported alcohol-related crashes was down from 5,239 in 2013 to 4,887 in 2014. Sadly, alcohol was involved in more than a third (34 percent) of all fatal crashes.

“I need to laud the efforts of law enforcement agencies across the state to take impaired drivers off the road,” said Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier. “We continue to drive home our message – Drive Hammered, Get Nailed. If you can take someone’s keys away or arrange for a designated driver, you could be a lifesaver.”

Here are other figures from the 2014 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • One person was killed in a motor-vehicle crash every 11.33 hours in 2014 (average of 2.12 people killed each day).
  • At least 266 (34 percent) of the 774 people killed in motor-vehicle crashes 2014 were not wearing safety devices, including seat belts and helmets.
  • Urban-area fatalities (397 deaths) decreased more than 10 percent last year (compared to 442 in 2013).
  • Rural-area fatalities (377 deaths) decreased by more than 7 percent last year (compared to 407 in 2013).
  • Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 17 percent of all crashes but also 37 percent of all fatal crashes.
  • Crashes during daylight hours (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) accounted for 72.5 percent of all crashes in 2014, nearly the same as in 2013.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2014 (18,759 crashes).
  • The Thanksgiving weekend was the deadliest holiday weekend on Arizona roadways last year (18 deaths). Nine people were killed in crashes over the July Fourth holiday weekend in 2014.
  • Motor-vehicle crashes resulted in $3.02 billion in economic losses for Arizona last year. 

The ADOT 2014 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at: azdot.gov/crashfacts.

Last year, ADOT and other public safety agencies completed an update of Arizona’s State Highway Safety Plan, a framework for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads in the state. Emphasis areas addressed in the report are speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving, occupant protection, motorcycle safety and distracted driving.

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2013

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2013

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2013

Motor-vehicle crash fatalities rose in 2013

June 6, 2014

PHOENIX – The number of deaths in motor-vehicle crashes across the state rose by 2.8 percent in 2013, according to annual statistics released by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

An analysis of law enforcement reports on crashes shows 844 people were killed last year on state and local highways and streets, compared to 821 fatalities in 2012. The highest annual number of motor-vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006.

ADOT’s 2013 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report lists a total of 107,348 crashes across Arizona in 2013, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to 2012 (103,909 crashes).

“Every driver holds the key to reducing crashes and saving lives,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Our coalition of state, federal and local agencies will complete an updated Strategic Highway Safety Plan this summer to guide us in our continuing efforts to reduce the number and severity of crashes on all of Arizona’s public roadways.”

In late 2012, public safety agencies began to update the state’s highway safety plan, which was first adopted in 2007.

Fatal-crash categories with increases in 2013 included pedestrian and bicyclist crashes. Last year 158 pedestrians were killed, compared to 131 pedestrian fatalities in 2012 and 154 in 2011. Nearly 10 percent of all crashes involving pedestrians were fatal.

Meanwhile, 30 bicyclists were killed last year, compared to 18 in 2012 and 23 in 2011.

Annual figures also show 149 motorcycle riders or passengers died in Arizona last year, compared to 139 motorcycle-related deaths in 2012 and 132 in 2011.

Alcohol-related fatalities dropped by more than 7 percent last year compared to 2012. In 2013, 262 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. There were 283 such deaths in 2012 and 287 in 2011.

The total number of reported alcohol-related crashes was down from 5,460 in 2012 to 5,190 in 2013.

“The decrease in alcohol-related crashes and deaths is welcome news but doesn’t change our mission to stop impaired driving,” said Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier. “Whether it’s our tougher laws, stepped up law enforcement or public awareness campaigns, we have to keep up the battle because nearly a third of the fatal crashes in the state last year were alcohol-related.”

As in past years, the most common driver violation cited by law enforcement officers was “speed too fast for conditions.”

Here are other figures from the 2013 Arizona Crash Facts report:

  • One person was killed in a motor-vehicle crash every 10.39 hours (average of 2.31 people killed each day).
  • 299 of the 844 people killed in motor-vehicle crashes were not wearing safety devices, including seat belts and helmets.
  • Urban-area fatalities (443 deaths) increased more than 12 percent last year (compared to 394 in 2012).
  • Rural-area fatalities (401 deaths) decreased by 6 percent last year (compared to 427 in 2012).
  • Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 17.75 percent of all crashes but also 39 percent of all fatal crashes.
  • Crashes during daylight hours (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) accounted for 73 percent of all crashes.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2013, while November 22 was the peak date for all crashes (737 crashes).
  • Motor-vehicle crashes resulted in $2.99 billion in economic losses for Arizona. 

The ADOT 2013 Arizona Crash Facts report is available online.

Annual report shows that motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona down slightly in 2012

Annual report shows that motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona down slightly in 2012

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Annual report shows that motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona down slightly in 2012

Annual report shows that motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona down slightly in 2012

June 6, 2013

ADOT’s yearly Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report 2013

ADOT’s yearly Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report shows that 823 people lost their lives in crashes on state and local roadways in Arizona in 2012.

It’s a very slight decrease from the previous year’s number, however the report also reveals that motorcycle-related fatalities actually increased by more than 5 percent from 2011 (139 in 2012 compared to 132 in 2011).

Hopefully these statistics can serve as a reminder to all of us on the importance of safe driving.

Here are some more figures from ADOT's 2012 Arizona Crash Facts report:

  • There were 103,176 total crashes recorded in 2012 (down 0.58 percent compared to 103,774 crashes in 2011)
  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle-related crash every 10.65 hours
  • Crashes with injuries accounted for 32 percent of all crashes, while 67 percent of all crashes were listed as “property damage only”
  • Pedestrian fatalities decreased by 14 percent (132 deaths in 2012 compared to 154 in 2011)
  • 72.5 percent of all crashes occurred during daylight hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Motor vehicle crashes also created economic losses approaching $3 billion in Arizona last year. Economic losses tied to fatalities, including wage and productivity losses, totaled $1.2 billion, while losses from property damage added up to more than $640 million
  • Alcohol-related fatalities decreased by 2 percent (281 deaths in 2012 compared to 287 in 2011)

"These figures should remind all of us to make a pledge to resist distractions and concentrate on safe driving," said ADOT Director John Halikowski. "Public safety agencies met recently to begin updating Arizona's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. One area sure to receive even more attention in the coming year is motorcycle safety. We urge all motorcyclists to seriously consider safety-training courses and remind all drivers to increase their awareness when sharing the road with motorcycle riders."

You can read the entire 2012 Arizona Crash Facts report online

ADOT, Governor's Office of Highway Safety directors tout efforts to reduce motorcycle crash deaths in Arizona

ADOT, Governor's Office of Highway Safety directors tout efforts to reduce motorcycle crash deaths in Arizona

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT, Governor's Office of Highway Safety directors tout efforts to reduce motorcycle crash deaths in Arizona

ADOT, Governor's Office of Highway Safety directors tout efforts to reduce motorcycle crash deaths in Arizona

January 30, 2013

PHOENIX — The heads of the state's highway safety and transportation departments encouraged motorcycle riders, including future riders, to go through training programs as part of efforts to reduce fatal motorcycle-related crashes in Arizona.

Governor's Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier and ADOT Director John Halikowski spoke Wednesday during a safety event at a motorcycle-training center in Gilbert.

Governor Jan Brewer has directed ADOT and the highway safety office to develop a range of strategies for reducing motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in Arizona.

"Governor Brewer has made this one of the state's goals and driver education will play a big role in making it happen," said Gutier. "Motorcycle rider training is an important example of that."

Motorcycle-crash deaths in Arizona rose 59 percent between 2010 and 2011. A total of 157 people were killed in motorcycle-related crashes in 2011, compared with 99 such fatalities in 2010.

"As our economy continues to recover, people are driving more, and that's a factor when it comes to increasing crashes and fatalities, especially motorcycle-related deaths," said Halikowski. "We'd encourage any riders to take safety courses approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.”

The state’s public safety agencies will work this year with other safety organizations and stakeholders to update the Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

"We're determined to turn any trend toward increased deaths and injuries around," said Halikowski. "In addition to motorcycle training, it will be important for all of us as drivers to be vigilant in paying extra attention to motorcycle riders, bicyclists and pedestrians."

Director Gutier said motorcycle and general passenger vehicle safety starts with reducing the leading causes of traffic crash deaths.

"We all benefit when we obey speed limits, don't drive while impaired, avoid distractions and use proper restraints."

The TEAM Arizona motorcycle-training center in Gilbert, which hosted Wednesday's event, marked the training of its 100,000th rider over more than two decades. That rider was presented with a new Kawasaki motorcycle.

Motor vehicle crash deaths across Arizona rose in 2011

Motor vehicle crash deaths across Arizona rose in 2011

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Motor vehicle crash deaths across Arizona rose in 2011

Motor vehicle crash deaths across Arizona rose in 2011

August 22, 2012

A new annual report shows that the number of fatalities on Arizona’s highways and local roads increased during 2011…

According to ADOT’s most recent “Crash Facts” report, 825 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in the state last year – an 8.7 percent increase from last year’s figure.

That’s certainly not good news, but if there’s something we as drivers can take from those numbers, it should be a better awareness of just how serious it is to be a safe motorist.

“Last year’s figure is a sober reminder for all of us to concentrate on safe driving,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “That means buckling up, maintaining safe speeds, never driving while impaired and, in today’s world, avoiding distracted driving.”

You can read the entire report online, but here are a few stats:

  • Fatal Crashes: 825 people were killed in a total of 754 fatal crashes on highways and local streets across Arizona in 2011 (compared to 759 people killed in fatal crashes in 2010).
  • Restraint Usage: More than a third of the people killed (292) were not properly restrained. 
  • Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes: 236 alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2011 (alcohol-related crashes accounted for 31.30 percent of all fatal crashes.
  • Alcohol-Related Fatalities: Increased 3.92 percent (265 deaths compared to 255 in 2010). 
  • Rural-Area Fatalities: Increased 14.44 percent (436 deaths compared to 381 in 2010). Rural fatalities had dropped 20 percent in 2010. 
  • Urban-Area Fatalities: Increased 2.91 percent (389 deaths compared to 378 in 2010) 
  • Single-Vehicle Crashes: Accounted for 40.45 percent of all fatal crashes and 18 percent of all crashes. 
  • Most-Common Driver Violation: Speed too fast for conditions. 
  • Total Crashes: Decreased 3.16 percent (103,423 crashes compared to 106,795 in 2010) 

While it is way too early to know if the increased number of traffic fatalities represents any sort of a trend, it’s still disheartening to read this report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It states that a statistical projection of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2012 shows an estimated 7,630 people died in vehicle crashes nationwide. The NHTSA says this is a 13.5 percent increase from the projected fatalities in the first quarter of 2011 (6,720).

However, it is worth mentioning this caveat from the report…

“The historic downward trend in traffic fatalities in the past several years – a pattern which has continued through the early estimates for 2011 released recently that show deaths at a 60-year low – means any comparison will be to an unprecedented low baseline figure.”

These projections from NHTSA, along with the Arizona Crash Facts report, just serve as another reminder that we need to keep safe on the road.

For more information, check out the whole Arizona report on our website.

Arizona roadway fatalities dropped again in 2010

Arizona roadway fatalities dropped again in 2010

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Arizona roadway fatalities dropped again in 2010

Arizona roadway fatalities dropped again in 2010

September 16, 2011

Even though just one driving-related fatality is too many, Arizona motorists can at least be heartened by a new report showing the number of fatal crashes was on the decline in 2010.

You can take a look at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts Report for 2010. It shows that 762 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on highways and local roads in the state last year. That’s down from 806 fatalities in 2009 and marks a significant reduction since 1,301 people died in crashes in 2006 (the year Arizona recorded its highest-ever number of traffic fatalities).

The statistics also show that 30 percent of the fatal crashes that occurred last year were alcohol-related (210). That number is down from 35 percent the year prior.

Here are some other findings in ADOT’s 2010 Crash Facts report:

  • There were a total of 106,177 crashes recorded in Arizona in 2010
  • There was a 20 percent drop in crash fatalities in rural areas from 2009 to 2010 (481 dropped to 382 fatalities)
  • There was a 17 percent increase in crash fatalities in urban areas from 2009 to 2010 (325 increased to 380 fatalities).
  • While crashes in rural areas (21,375) accounted for 20 percent of all crashes, they accounted for 49 percent of fatal crashes (344) in 2010
  • 78 percent of all alcohol-related crashes occurred in urban areas. However, 41 percent of fatal alcohol-related crashes occurred in rural areas
  • The highest percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes (19 percent) was in the 25-34 age group
  • Motor vehicle crashes resulted in $2.668 billion in economic losses to Arizona in 2010
  • 73.6 percent of all crashes occurred during daylight hours (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
  • October was the peak month for all crashes (9,603 crashes)

ADOT Director John Halikowski says improving highway safety remains a priority for the agency.

“In an age of limited funding, ADOT is committed to improvements and programs that make our highways safer, ranging from signs that are easier to read day and night, new lanes in strategic locations and working hard to keep the snowplows moving when winter storms hit our high country,” Halikowski said.