According to SmartAsset, Arizona drivers are among the worst drivers in the country.
Is this a fair assessment? Are drivers solely to blame, or do our roads and traffic conditions play a role?
In 2020, Arizona was ranked #4 overall by SmartAsset.com.
From the study: Arizona has the third-highest number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven, at 1.53. The state doesn’t rank in the worst 10 of the study for any other metric but does have the 14th-highest rate for the Google search metric we considered, with a ratio of 1.50 for ticket-related searches relative to gasoline-related searches.
According to the Insurance Research Council, it’s estimated that twelve percent of Arizona drivers are uninsured. The figure should be alarming to everyone on Arizona road. If you are hit by an uninsured or even an underinsured driver, the costs to you could be enormous.
Take the time at least once a year to review your policy with your agent. Make sure you have underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself. Check with your agent to ensure your coverage meets all your current needs.
Arizona transportation officials continue to blame drivers for the rise in crash-related fatalities. However, roadway defects can play a role in a crash-it’s not always related to human error.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage. Always, always wear your seatbelt. No exceptions.
Operating a car is one of the most complicated tasks a human brain can undertake. Don’t drive distracted. That includes using a cell phone, eating, or taking your eyes off the road for any length of time. Some of the things we’ve witnessed drivers doing:
- Reading a book
- Flossing teeth
- Putting on eye makeup
- Scrolling on Facebook
- Reaching for something and driving off the road
Catastrophic, life-changing injuries can result from car crashes, as well as fatalities. Please, drive safely, Arizona.
