Serious Auto Accidents Resulting in Death a Growing Problem in Arizona
By Craig Knapp on November 28, 2016

If you turn on the radio during your commute, watch the news, or even get local news app push notifications on your phone, you’ve noticed that every day there are multiple car accidents in the Phoenix metropolitan area. These collisions result in serious injury and wrongful death far too often. In fact, from 2013-2015, a fatal freeway accident occurred once every five days in the valley, totaling 196 fatal collisions that left 207 people dead. This equated to an Arizona fatality rate that’s 61 percent higher than the national average.

When looking at the list of fatal car accidents, AZCentral found some trends. As expected, most accidents occurred Friday through Sunday. Of the 196 fatal accidents, 109 occurred on the I-10 and I-17. Most crashes were in the summer months – May through July. About half of the 207 people killed in these accidents were not using a seat belt.

Wearing a seat belt is a simple, but life-saving step passengers and drivers can take to prevent serious injury or even death in an accident. When riding in a car, don’t be afraid to ask everyone in the car if they’re wearing a seat belt. It can serve as a reminder and encourage seat belt use. If you’re driving, don’t agree to leave until all passengers are wearing a seat belt.

Another common thread among fatalities is motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles make up only four percent of all registered vehicles in Arizona, but were involved in 22 percent of fatal accidents on Maricopa County freeways between 2013 and 2015. An easy way motorcyclists can help protect themselves is by wearing a helmet. Arizona doesn’t require helmet use by law, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets could have changed the outcome of about 37 percent of motorcyclist fatalities.

Driving under the influence is also a major problem in Arizona. Nearly 60 percent of all fatal Valley freeway accidents between 2013 and 2015 involving alcohol. There are many options for those who have been drinking in getting home safely. Call an Uber, Lyft, taxi, take the light rail or bus, or call a friend. The fare associated with these options are well worth it compared to the risks involved with getting behind the wheel.

Lastly, nearly a quarter of the fatal auto accidents were rear-end crashes. This is believed to be a result of distracted driving – a growing concern that we at Knapp & Roberts have written about on many occasions. To help prevent distracted driving, learn more about this app for both iPhone and Android.

Serious auto accidents often have extraordinary consequences. If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss with a lawyer at no charge, call (480) 991-7677. Or complete the Do I Have a Case form on our website and a Phoenix injury attorney at Knapp & Roberts will contact you.