While Arizona is an amazing place to live and full of natural beauty, its highways can be some of the most dangerous in the country.
There are a few reasons for this. First, Arizona is a major tourist destination, particularly in the winter. The amount of tourist traffic in Arizona results in higher traffic levels and accident rates than in states that are less popular tourist destinations. Second, Arizona has major cities like Phoenix and Tucson that have high levels of commuters. This also results in higher traffic and accident rates than states with lower levels of commuters. Finally, Arizona’s climate and geography offer unique challenges to drivers, and people unfamiliar with Arizona’s driving conditions can find them especially challenging.
Unfortunately, there were more than 120,000 crashes in Arizona in 2023, according to state data. This was nearly a 1.6 percent increase from the previous year. But more troubling is the fact that traffic-related deaths have been steadily increasing since the mid-2000s. In 2023, there were nearly 1,200 fatal accidents in Arizona. While that was lower than in 2022, the number of fatalities in 2023 was higher than the number of fatalities for both 2020 and 2021.
The Deadliest Highways in Arizona
In any state, driving on a highway is more dangerous than driving through local roads. Higher rates of speed, more traffic, and more large vehicles combine to significantly increase the risk of injury and death. The Arizonans should be wary of highway driving and understand the two of the most dangerous highways in Arizona.
Interstate 10: A Notorious Stretch of Road
In a recent study that covered a six-year., Interstate 10 saw 483 fatalities, making it the deadliest highway in Arizona. But why is the I-10 so dangerous? According to news reports, a particular stretch of the I-10 between mile markers 144 and 146 is the most dangerous. This is where the I-10 meets Loop 202 and State Route 51, and traffic experts say that the intersection of three major arteries is what makes it so dangerous.
Major freeways are often “stacked” like this part of the I-10 to help people get around easily. However, the addition of each road and on- or off-ramp to a stretch of highway exponentially increases the number of conflict points or areas where there is significant potential for vehicles to collide. According to state data, there were more than 1,000 crashes in this particular stretch of road along I-10. As the population in the Valley increases, creating even more traffic for this stretch of road, it, unfortunately, will likely increase the number of crashes and traffic fatalities.
Interstate 17: A Deadly Highway with a High Crash Rate
While Interstate 17 is one of the most scenic highways in all of Arizona, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Both locals and tourists use it as a direct route from Phoenix to Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, resulting in high traffic and accident levels. According to the most recent data published by AZCentral, there were 123 fatalities over a four-year period on the I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
One particular stretch of the I-17 is more dangerous than the rest of it. The 45 miles between Anthem and Cordes junctions tends to see the most traffic and most accidents. North of Cordes Junction, traffic becomes lighter because many drivers turn west on State Route 69 toward the Prescott area. South of Cordes Junction, traffic becomes heavier as drivers from Prescott and Flagstaff converge en route to Phoenix. I-17 becomes even more dangerous when construction and extreme weather are added to the mix.
Factors Contributing to Fatal Accidents in Arizona
Although dangerous stretches of road can play a major role in fatal accidents, there are many other factors that significantly increase the risk of a deadly crash, including drunk driving, excessive speed, and distracted driving.
Drunk Driving
Fatal accidents involving drunk driving are perhaps the most tragic because they don’t have to happen. With the level of awareness around drunk driving and various transportation alternatives, including ride-sharing and public transit, there’s just no excuse for getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. And yet, drunk driving is a leading contributor when it comes to fatal accidents in Arizona.
There is some good news when it comes to drunk driving in Arizona. According to state data, alcohol-related crashes have been on the decline over the past 15 years. Unfortunately, alcohol-related fatalities are not following a similar trend. Accidents involving alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs represent about one-third of all fatal accidents in Arizona each year.
Speeding
When we think of an accident caused by speeding, we tend to think about a sports car flying down the highway at 100 mph. However, speeding can also mean driving over the speed limit on residential roads or too fast for the road conditions.
Common sense tells us that speeding gives you less time to react to unexpected events. On the deadliest highways in Arizona, that might mean a driver suddenly swerving into a new lane. On residential roads, it could mean a child running into the street to chase after a ball. Bad road conditions further increase the risk of an accident by making it difficult for a driver to see or for tires to get traction on the road.
According to Arizona state data, excessive speed was a factor in 183 traffic-related deaths in 2022. Speeding was also responsible for more than 11,000 traffic-related injuries that same year.
Distracted Driving
In recent years, technology has allowed us to do all kinds of things behind the wheel, from navigating around traffic jams to making phone calls. But all of this technology is a double-edged sword, as it can result in distracted driving. Distracted driving also happens when drivers are focused on anything other than controlling the vehicle, such as eating fast food or staring at a car wreck on the side of the road.
According to state data, approximately 6,800 traffic accidents and 32 fatalities in 2022 were caused by distracted driving. The most common factors included eating or drinking, engaging with electronic devices, and distractions outside the vehicle.
Tips for Driving Safely on Arizona’s Dangerous Roads
Although certain roads in Arizona are more dangerous than others, safe driving practices can help you significantly reduce your risk of getting into an accident. To help keep drivers safe, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has released a number of safe driving tips. These steps can apply to driving in just about any state, but they are particularly relevant for drivers in the state, especially those traveling on the deadliest highways in Arizona.
Use Defensive Driving Techniques
The ADOT reminds drivers that “safety is your top priority” and recommends that people don’t take unnecessary chances when behind the wheel.
The best way to do this is to adopt a pessimistic mindset. Always be prepared for other drivers around you to do something unexpected or even reckless. While this can be an anxiety-inducing way to drive your car, this mindset helps to keep you safe.
Defensive driving also means keeping a safe distance from other vehicles around you. Make sure you keep a two-second distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you two seconds of reaction time if something flies off the vehicle or if the driver suddenly slams on the brakes. In bad weather, increase this cushion to four seconds to compensate for less traction and visibility.
Being a defensive driver also means keeping distractions to a minimum. Avoid manipulating your phone unless you are parked. Don’t eat or drink anything behind the wheel. If people are in the car with you, make sure they aren’t distracting you from driving responsibly.
Avoiding Hazardous Highways During Peak Hours
The ADOT also recommends planning your trip, and this could mean avoiding Arizona’s deadliest highways during peak hours.
Peak commuting hours are probably the most dangerous times to be on I-10 and I-17. In addition to high volumes of traffic, rush hour drivers tend to be on edge as they either try to get to work on time or get back home to relax and unwind. If there’s an accident, driving during these times is even more dangerous.
It’s also a good idea to check traffic notifications on navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps. While these apps tend to lag behind, they can be a good indicator of when to avoid the deadliest highways in Arizona.
Finally, don’t be afraid to explore alternate routes during peak hours. Taking less congested roads can significantly reduce the risk of an accident, and you might even get to your destination faster, despite having to deal with more stop lights, more stop signs and lower speed limits.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Crash on a Dangerous Highway in Arizona
Being prepared and thinking ahead helps to keep you out of an accident, but it is even more critical if you do find yourself in a crash. The two most important things to remember are trying to keep people safe and looking after your own legal rights.
Immediately after an accident, check to see if you’re okay, and then check to make sure that any passengers in your car are okay. If you sense that your life or the lives of your passengers are in danger, do what you can to avoid any loss of life. If your car is still drivable, pull over to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and creating a dangerous situation. If everyone is able to get out of the vehicle, they should do so, especially in the event of a serious accident. If other people appear to be injured, do what you can to provide assistance.
Next, you should contact the police. Even if you were in a minor fender bender, the police cam document the extent of damage and the accident scene. The accident report written by the police can be used for an insurance claim, or if you need to take legal action.
It is also important to collect contact and insurance information from people who were involved in the accident. Use your phone to take pictures of the cars that were involved, and be sure to note the models and license plate numbers of the vehicles that were involved. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any skid marks or other property damage.
When interacting with people at the accident scene, avoid providing any details about your actions, and especially avoid taking responsibility. The things that you say could be used against you in legal proceedings.
If you feel like you could have been seriously injured, seek medical attention. A doctor can treat any injuries and document their extent. A medical exam can also reveal hidden injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma.
Finally, you should consider contacting an Arizona car accident lawyer. Attorneys with experience in these matters understand the nature of roadways in our state, particularly the deadliest highways in Arizona. They can explain your rights to you and help you with the best possible course of action.
Need a Car Accident Lawyer? Gerber Injury Law Is Here to Help
As is the case in other states, Arizona’s highways can be dangerous and some roadways are more dangerous than others. Drivers should traverse the deadliest highways in Arizona with caution, and avoid them during peak hours. It is important to think ahead and drive defensively while on the road. It’s also important to be prepared for an accident and what to do to protect yourself and your legal rights.
At Gerber Injury Law, Our attorneys have extensive experience with Arizona car accidents and Arizona truck accidents, including those that result in a loss of life. Our fatal car accident lawyers can provide both a compassionate ear and sound legal counsel. If you have been in a car accident in Arizona and need assistance, please call 623-486-8300 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
