Arizona Car Accident Statistics 2024 – Motor Vehicle Crash Facts

In 2022 alone, Arizona saw around 120,000 vehicle crashes. The vast majority of those collisions occurred in urban areas, where speed and traffic density play a role in contributing to car accidents. For many people, driving is an integral part of life, and Arizona residents take to the road every day. Understanding Arizona car accident statistics can help you stay safe while behind the wheel.

If someone else’s negligent driving leads to a collision, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable by hiring a personal injury law firm. At Glazer, Hammond & Smets, PLLC, we have helped many clients receive monetary compensation following a car, truck, or motorcycle accident. You shouldn’t have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence or simply accept becoming another unfortunate statistic.

Arizona Car Accident Statistics

Roadway debris accounts for a significant number of crashes on Arizona roadways, a 2024 news report found. In 2022, 1,100 crashes resulted from debris and obstacles on the roads in Arizona.

When it comes to deadly car crashes, Arizona ranked 42 in 2020 for most deadly car collisions in the country, meaning only nine states have more deadly crashes per year on average. Looking at data from 2013-2020, Arizona frequently ranked above 40 using this system. Of Arizona’s cities, Phoenix has the highest number of crashes per year on average. The city reported 40,833 automobile accidents in 2021.

Maricopa County accounts for the majority of car accidents and fatal crashes in Arizona. Around 72% of all crashes in the state took place in Maricopa County in 2022. Urban areas accounted for 62% of vehicle collisions in 2022, while only 37% of crashes occurred in rural areas.

Alcohol and DUIs play a significant role in roadway accidents and fatalities. Alcohol was a contributing factor for 4.6% of car accidents in Arizona in 2022 and 17% of fatal car wrecks that same year.

Around 70% of crashes occurred during daylight hours. Teenagers are twice as likely to die in a car accident than young adults 19-25. Gender plays a role in fatal car crashes. Men are 1.5 times more likely to die in a car accident than women.

Contributing Factors to Vehicle Collisions

While car accidents can be caused by many factors, a few causes are more common. These include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving involves any situation where a driver takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or their focus off driving. Smartphones are a major contributor to distracted driving. Anyone who was not paying attention to the road when they caused an accident could be held responsible for any damage or harm they caused.
• Speeding: Speed plays a major role in accidents. When drivers drive faster than the posted speed limit or faster than weather conditions warrant, the excess velocity can make reacting to changing road conditions more difficult. If a collision does occur, excess speed can make the collision more damaging than it otherwise might have been.
• Impaired drivers: Driving while intoxicated is against the law in Arizona. Drivers can be impaired due to drugs, alcohol, or prescription pills. Impaired drivers are more likely to engage in dangerous or reckless behavior. They are also less able to react to sudden changes in road conditions.
• Weather conditions: Weather conditions should inform how people drive on the road. All too often, drivers fail to slow down when roads are wet or when weather limits visibility. Failure to adjust driving habits when the weather is a risk factor can lead to negligent driving that can raise the risk of an accident.

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident in Arizona?

Arizona is an at-fault state when it comes to driving liability. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for any damage or bodily harm they caused. One way drivers take financial responsibility for causing an accident is by maintaining car insurance.

The state minimum coverage that drivers have to maintain is $15,000 for property damage, $25,000 for bodily harm to one person, and $50,000 for bodily harm to two people. In the event of an accident, the injured party is entitled to monetary compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Many drivers find that having legal representation from a personal injury lawyer throughout that process comes with benefits.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Accident Rate in Arizona?

A: Around 3.5 people die on Arizona’s roads every day. A further 155 are injured on average every day. This translates to one injury every 10 minutes throughout the year. If you live in an urban area, you are statistically more likely to experience an accident. The majority of car wrecks occur in Arizona’s most populous county, Maricopa County.

Q: Where Do Most Accidents Happen in Arizona?

A: Most accidents in Arizona happen in urban areas. Around 86% of car crashes in 2022 occurred in urban areas. The high percentage is due in part to the density of populated areas and higher speeds that occur along urban highways. Out of over 119,000 car crashes that were recorded in 2022, more than 85,000 were reported in Maricopa County.

Q: How Many Car Accidents Occur Per Day in Arizona?

A: Around 300 car accidents occur every day in Arizona. Automobile collisions are more common during times of heavy traffic and during times of the year when people are traveling for the holidays. During spring and summer months across the country, accident rates go up between 8 p.m. and midnight. Non-fatal crashes are more likely to occur between noon and 5 p.m. during the summer.

Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Crashes in Arizona?

A: The leading cause of car crashes in Arizona and across the country is distracted driving. Any time a driver takes their eyes off the road, they place themselves and others in peril. Distracted driving occurs when someone takes their eyes, hands, or focus off the road. At high speeds, just a few seconds of distraction can leave drivers unaware of the road conditions for several hundred feet. Distracted drivers are less able to react to changing road conditions.

Schedule Your Arizona Car Crash Consultation Today

Arizona is one of the more dangerous states when it comes to deadly car crashes. Being aware of the main causes of car accidents can help you stay safe while on the road. If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence or misconduct of another driver, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable by working with an experienced personal injury law firm.

An experienced car accident attorney can work to protect your rights and fight for a fair settlement that helps ensure you are not responsible for injuries and damage caused by someone else. To schedule your car accident consultation, contact our office today.