According to a recent Arizona Republic article, the fatal accident rate on urban Phoenix freeways is 61 percent higher than the national average.
And according to Arizona Department of Transporation’s (ADOT) “Strategic Highway Safety Plan,” the Arizona statewide fatal crash rate is about 33 percent higher (2005) than the United States’ national rate. ADOT’s current data indicates that if Arizona continues on its year-to-date pace, we will top 900 traffic deaths by the end of the year (ADOT Data, 10/21/16 “Drive for Them Campaign“)
The Arizona Republic did a review of the ADOT data from 2013-2015, and there were 196 fatal collisions on Phoenix-area freeways, leaving 207 people dead. Of the 196 fatal accidents, 109 occurred on I-10 and I-17. Most fatal crashes happened in May, June, and July (The Arizona Republic, 11/28/16)
Why are more people dying on Arizona highways than in other states?
ADOT blames distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, weather, failure to wear a seatbelt and other factors. Arizonans used seat belts 86.6 percent of the time in 2015, which was lower than the national average of 88.5 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Data from the CDC shows that “ejection from a vehicle in a crash is 30 times more likely for those not wearing a seatbelt, and in crashes that are fatal, 75 percent of people ejected from a vehicle die.”
What can you do to protect yourself on Arizona’s highways? Obey the speed limits, don’t drive distracted and always wear a seatbelt.
I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in America.
The Leader Law Firm plays an active role in pursuing accountability from ADOT. In 2012, the Leader Law Firm obtained a $7.8 million jury verdict involving ADOT and a fatal “crossover” collision on I-10. About a year ago, the Leader Law Firm received a 47 million dollar jury verdict involving ADOT and another fatal “crossover” crash at the same location of I-10.
To date, nothing has been done to prevent future crossover accidents on the same stretch of I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix.
We have significant experience in highway cases, with a track record of success.
If you or someone you know has suffered a crash on an Arizona interstate, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.
