Phoenix Accident Statistics

Wrong-Way Mayhem

Phoenix, AZ (August 5, 2019): A traffic sign near 75th Avenue and McDowell Road was instructing drivers to go the wrong way. The sign indicated that people should drive to the left of the median, not the right. An Uber driver captured a photo of the sign and posted the error on Twitter on July 29. Luckily, the city of Phoenix saw the tweet and swiftly replaced the sign with a correct traffic signal. As far as we know, no accidents were caused by the erroneous sign.

Wrong-way driving can be a huge problem, even without signs that have incorrect instructions. To avoid wrong-way driving, make sure you avoid distractions and stay alert while on the road. Source: ABC15 News

Failure to Yield Causes Fatal Accident

Payson, AZ (July 13, 2019): On Saturday, a 50-year-old motorcyclist was killed, and his girlfriend was seriously injured after a Chevrolet Suburban failed to yield and collided with the motorcycling couple. The Chevrolet pulled in front of the motorcycle from the median crossover. The motorcycle driver died at the scene, and the motorcycle driver’s girlfriend went flying through the Chevrolet and was airlifted to a Scottsdale Memorial Hospital Osborn. The couple were on their way to the Runnin’ with the Pups fundraiser for the Humane Society of Central Arizona, and they were near the Jim Jones Shooting Range when the incident took place. Distracted driving kills many people year-round. When you’re driving, keep in mind that motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can therefore fit into blind spots more easily. Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this accident. We also strongly encourage drivers to abide by safe driving practices, and obey all traffic laws to minimize the chance of accident. Source: Payson RoundUp

Vehicle Rolls into Lake Pleasant

Peoria, AZ (June 16, 2019) – On Sunday evening, a family’s vehicle rolled into Lake Pleasant. This was caused by the vehicle owners’ two-year-old child shifting the vehicle into gear as the parents were loading luggage. Even though the vehicle wasn’t turned on, a downward slope allowed the vehicle to plunge into the lake. Luckily, the parents acted quickly and got all the occupants out before the vehicle completely submerged. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) would like to remind everyone to stay attentive and vigilant of both your vehicle and your children. No matter whether you’re on the road or parked indoors, injuries from distractions are serious and sometimes fatal. Always keep an eye out, no matter where you are. Source: ABC15 Arizona

Wrong-Way Driving Kills

Phoenix (May 24, 2019) – Wrong-way driving is an increasing epidemic in Arizona. People usually drive the wrong way as a result of impairment from substances, or distraction. To address the problem, state lawmakers made it a felony to drive the wrong way under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the state is making “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs larger and lower so they will be more visible. Thermal cameras are also now able to detect when a driver goes the wrong way on a freeway and can notify authorities. Source: USNews.com

Pedestrian Crisis

Phoenix (May 9, 2019) – Intoxication and speeding are critical factors in pedestrian deaths for Arizona. The number of pedestrian deaths has more than doubled since 2010. Phoenix is taking action by illuminating some of the city’s high-risk areas with hybrid beacons. However, some of the most needy areas won’t receive such upgrades until 2022. Source: AZ Central

Arizona Fatalities Continue to Rise

Statewide (August 1, 2019): Near the beginning of June, Arizona had around 400 traffic-related fatalities. Now, that number has risen to 539 as of July 28. In other words, it took less than 60 days for Arizona to have over 130 more deaths added to the count. This is certainly grim news, but Director Alberto Gutier, head of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, plans to make changes. For example, Arizona is testing thermal wrong-way detection cameras as part of a pilot program. If successful, there could be more installed throughout the state.

Be sure to practice safe driving. Stay vigilant, and follow all traffic signs so you don’t drive the wrong way on a freeway.

Source: ADOT and CBS News

Accident Deaths In Triple Digits

Phoenix (June 3, 2019) – Unfortunately, Arizona traffic fatalities have already reached the triple digits since January of this year. Traffic fatalities continue to grow, and at present, there are over 400 deaths from traffic-related causes in Arizona alone. 2019 isn’t even halfway over, but hopefully, that tragic number doesn’t increase by much more. Source: AZDOT.gov

2019 Fatality Numbers

Phoenix (May 10, 2019) – Arizona’s accident fatalities are on the rise. From January 2019 to mid-March 2019, there were 80 deaths on Arizona’s roads. That’s 12 more than there were in 2018 around this same time. Authorities estimate that the increase in fatalities could be due to an increase in the amount of new drivers. With additional people on the road, and with many of them inexperienced, it’s important to stay mindful and vigilant at all times, especially when the weather changes. Source: 12 News

World’s Hottest Month on Record

Statewide (August 15, 2019): July 2019 is officially marked as the hottest month ever recorded since 1880, which is when temperature records started. Worldwide, the average temperature was 1.71 degrees Fahrenheit above the 60.4 degree average of the 20th century. In Phoenix alone, July 2019 was the 6th hottest July on record, with an average temperature of 96.7 degrees, and with 11 of those days hitting at or above 110 degrees.

During these hot summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated and check your vehicle’s tires. To avoid serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, drink plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need). To avoid a blowout, check your tire pressure and tread. And, to avoid a slip and fall if you’re hanging out and relaxing by a pool, never run around the pool area, and keep an eye on your children to make sure they don’t slip and fall in. Source: ABC15 News

Arizona Opioid Maker Files for Bankruptcy

Chandler, AZ (July 23, 2019) – Chandler-based pharmaceutical company Insys Therapeutics has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy after reaching a $225-million settlement with the Department of Justice. The company was found guilty of bribing doctors to prescribe its fentanyl-based medicine Subsys. Fentanyl is an opioid that is highly addictive and also abused recreationally.

One of the side effects of fentanyl-based painkillers is neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This causes serious illnesses in babies that no longer have exposure to drugs that they were exposed to while in the womb. Some of the ailments caused by NAS include hydrocephalus, glaucoma, congenital heart defects, spina bifida, and gastroschisis. If you believe that your baby is suffering because of NAS, please contact Lerner and Rowe immediately. Source: Phoenix Business Journal

Woodbury Fire Continues to Burn Bright

Miami, AZ (June 28, 2019) – The Woodbury Fire has spread across over 120,000 acres in the state of Arizona and is now one of the top five largest wildfires in Arizona’s history. Luckily, because of favorable weather and encounters with more fire-resistant vegetation, the fire isn’t expected to spread too much further. 900 people are working on containing the fire and have achieved over 60 percent containment. Even in rocky conditions, firefighters are working on blocking the fire from spreading to buildings and other important structures.

If you’re in the Miami, Arizona area, make sure you stay far away from the Woodbury Fire. If you suffer a burn injury, seek medical attention immediately. Source: Fox10

Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Scottsdale, AZ (June 10, 2019) – In the early afternoon last Monday, a 47-year-old motorcycle driver crashed into a black sedan. Unfortunately, the motorcycle’s passenger, a 36-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and later died in hospital care. The driver of the motorcycle did not suffer life-threatening injuries. However, it’s important to note that neither one of them were wearing helmets. If you or someone you know plan on riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and follow all motorcycle safety protocols to protect yourself and others in case of an accident. And, if you are a passenger who is injured in an accident, you can contact an Arizona personal injury to discuss your legal options. Source: The Jamestown Sun

Woodbury Fire Continues to Spread

Phoenix, AZ (June 11, 2019) – The Woodbury fire continues to grow and ravage Arizona land. The fire broke out on early Saturday afternoon, and by that evening, it had covered over 500 acres. By Sunday, the fire had spread across nearly a thousand more acres. Now, the fire spans a total of over 9,300 acres, with no end in sight. Additional firefighters are being deployed, but so far, the fire is at 0% containment. Arid, hot air contributes to the spread of the fire, as does gusts of wind and dry foliage that makes the fire easier to proliferate. To avoid smoke inhalation from the flames, stay indoors. Also, to help prevent burn injuries, stay in a safe environment away from the active fire, and don’t operate gas or electrical equipment carelessly. If you’re outside in the Arizona heat, be sure to stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion. Source: KTAR News

First 2019 Heat Death

Phoenix (June 5, 2019) – In Maricopa County, a man died in his vehicle as a result of heat-related causes. As the first confirmed case of 2019, it’s important to remember that temperatures will rise as the summer goes on. Last year alone, Maricopa County had its record number of heat-related deaths: 182. To combat the dangers of the heat, stay hydrated and remain indoors in a cool, ventilated area. If you are elderly or without shelter, it’s especially important to take precautions against the dangers of heatstroke and other possible conditions from heat exposure. Source: ABC15 Arizona

AAA Patroller of the Year Awarded

Mesa (May 10, 2019) – AAA chose a Mesa 7th grader as Arizona’s “Patroller of the Year.” The AAA School Safety Patrol gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to know how to stay safe and aware when crossing the road, traveling to school, along with other useful safety tips. Gerard Gerkin demonstrated exceptional initiative and wrote to AAA, explaining how the program made him a friendlier, better person. The school he attends was also given a $3,000 grant that will fund the AAA School Safety Program. Source: AZfamily.com