Latest Arizona Crash Statistics Updated for 2025

Arizona Crash Statistics Updated for 2025

If you’ve spent any time on Arizona roads lately — especially in Phoenix — you’ve likely seen the flashing lights, backed-up traffic, or even witnessed a crash firsthand. It’s no secret that driving here can feel more like a gamble than a routine. But recent numbers suggest there’s a shift happening — one that’s worth paying attention to.

So, are Arizona’s roads actually becoming safer, or is it just a momentary dip in an otherwise dangerous trend? Let’s take a closer look at the newest fatality estimates, what 2023 taught us, and what these numbers mean for everyday drivers.

2024 Starts With a Drop in Traffic Deaths

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released early estimates for the first 9 months of 2024, showing Arizona with 936 traffic deaths — a meaningful decrease from the 947 fatalities in the same period the year before. That’s a 1.2% drop, and more importantly, the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven also fell from 1.63 to 1.58.

That kind of progress signals hope. It could reflect better road design, improved awareness campaigns, and increased vehicle safety features. Still, more than 900 lives lost in just nine months is nothing to dismiss. It’s still more than three people every day, and that number doesn’t even touch the thousands more living with serious injuries.

What 2023 Told Us About Arizona’s Crash Crisis

Rewind to 2023, and you’ll see the full picture — and the scale of the problem. According to Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for the State of Arizona, 2023, Arizona reported 122,247 total motor vehicle crashes, spanning everything from fender benders to multi-fatality collisions. These crashes led to 1,197 deaths and over 54,000 injuries. That averages out to 335 crashes every single day in Arizona in 2023, with over 3 fatal crashes daily, and more than 148 people injured each day on Arizona roads.

Looking back at 2023, the numbers reveal just how serious — and widespread — Arizona’s traffic safety crisis really is. It wasn’t just a bad year — it was one of the deadliest in recent memory. A more detailed breakdown of the 2023 statewide crash data looks the next:

  • Total Crashes: 122,247
  • Fatal Crashes: 1,197
  • Injury Crashes: 54,000

From high-speed collisions on I-10 to rural wrecks with slow EMS response times, crashes happened everywhere — and impacted people of all ages. Whether it was speed, alcohol, or distracted driving, the root causes remained heartbreakingly preventable. Let’s look over how the accident number spreads over the counties.

Top Counties: Maricopa Leads Arizona’s Crash Statistics

Maricopa County remained the epicenter of Arizona’s crash crisis in 2023. It accounted for over 71% of all crashes statewide and more than half of all fatal collisions. While population density plays a role, the sheer volume of crashes in this region speaks to deeper issues — like high-speed roadways, distracted driving, and traffic congestion that’s only getting worse.

  • Among the hardest-hit cities was Phoenix, which saw 36,927 crashes, including 298 fatal collisions and nearly 15,000 injuries — making it not just the most populated city, but also the most dangerous to drive in.
  • Mesa followed with over 7,500 crashes, 49 deaths, and more than 3,100 injuries, reflecting the dangers on key commuter routes and sprawling suburban streets.
  • In Glendale, nearly 4,300 crashes were recorded, with 46 people killed and 1,836 injured, many in alcohol-involved or multi-vehicle collisions.
  • Chandler reported more than 4,300 crashes as well, with 18 fatalities and 1,800+ injuries, showing that even cities with well-developed infrastructure aren’t immune to serious roadway risks.
  • Scottsdale, often viewed as a calmer city, still faced over 3,000 crashes, 17 fatalities, and more than 1,200 injuries — many of which occurred near nightlife zones and tourist-heavy corridors.
  • Lastly, Peoria experienced just over 3,000 total crashes, including 17 fatal ones, and 1,150 injury cases, making it one of the more dangerous West Valley cities for commuters and families alike.

Phoenix: One City, One-Third of the Crashes

No city in Arizona sees more traffic collisions than Phoenix — and the numbers back that up. In 2023, Phoenix recorded 36,927 total crashes, making it by far the most crash-prone city in the state according to Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for the State of Arizona, 2023. That includes 298 fatal collisions and nearly 15,000 reported injuries.

With an average of more than 101 crashes per day, Phoenix drivers are navigating some of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the state, where a serious or even fatal crash happens almost daily. Here’s a closer look at the 2023 car crash data in Phoenix:

  • Total Crashes: 36,927
  • Fatal Crashes: 298
  • Injury Crashes: 10,300+
  • Daily Average: About 101 crashes every day
  • Daily Fatalities: Nearly 1 person killed per day
  • Daily Injuries: Around 41 people injured per day

Many of these crashes happened at some of the city’s most notoriously dangerous intersections, where high speeds, poor visibility, and traffic volume collide.

Phoenix’s mix of sprawling roadways, distracted drivers, aggressive merges, and heavy commuter traffic continues to make it the most dangerous city to drive in Arizona — and one of the most legally complex when it comes to getting justice after a crash.

Looking Back: A Century of Fatalities

Looking at long-term trends makes it even more real. In 1925, only 76 people died in Arizona vehicle crashes. Fast forward to 2023, and that number had skyrocketed to 1,307 — one of the highest years on record.

In just under 100 years, fatalities in Arizona increased more than 1,600%. While cars have become safer, and so have some roads, the combination of higher speeds, distracted driving, and more vehicles than ever continues to put lives at risk.

What’s Driving the Danger?

Here’s a breakdown of the top contributing factors behind Arizona’s most devastating crashes in 2023:

  • Speeding. Speed was a major contributor to fatal crashes, causing 446 deaths. Excessive speed not only increases the chances of a crash but also makes it more likely to be fatal.
  • Lane Departure Crashes. Often tied to distracted or impaired driving, these accounted for 823 deaths. These crashes typically involve a vehicle drifting or veering off the road, crossing into oncoming traffic, or leaving the travel lane without control.
  • Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Alcohol played a role in 332 fatalities, most of which occurred in the late evening and early morning hours. Despite decades of awareness campaigns, DUIs remain a consistent threat on Arizona roads.
  • Young Inexperienced Drivers. Drivers under 25 were involved in 8,300+ injuries and 134 deaths. Risky behaviors, lack of experience, and often lower seatbelt use contribute to this age group’s vulnerability.
  • Vulnerable Road Users. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists continue to face a higher risk of death or serious injury. With over 2,400 motorcyclist traumas, 1,300 pedestrian injuries, and 762 bicycle-related injuries, Arizona’s roads are still hazardous for those outside of vehicles.

Crash patterns throughout 2023 reveal some striking timing trends. Fridays were the most dangerous day of the week, with the peak hour being 3 PM to 4 PM, a common window for school pickups and early commuters heading home. Fatal crashes, however, peaked later — most often between 6 PM and 7 PM on Saturdays, a time linked to weekend travel, alcohol consumption, and higher speeds.

The single worst day for crashes statewide? Friday, December 22, just before Christmas, with a record 567 crashes in 24 hours.

Seatbelt Use: A Small Action, A Big Impact

Among all the trauma cases reported in 2023, seatbelt use stood out as one of the clearest life-saving factors. Of the 12,283 vehicle occupant trauma cases, only 70% were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. That means nearly 4,000 people suffered serious injuries while unbelted.

The numbers speak for themselves: 4.8% of unbelted occupants died, compared to just 1.4% of those who were buckled up. That’s more than three times the risk of dying in a crash just because someone didn’t click their seatbelt.

Teen drivers (ages 15–24) had the lowest rates of seatbelt use, and American Indian or Alaska Native drivers had the lowest rate by race at just 59%, pointing to urgent gaps in outreach and enforcement.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just a Number

Every crash is more than a statistic. It’s a life suddenly changed — or lost. Whether you’re dealing with physical recovery, emotional trauma, or the frustrating aftermath of insurance claims, the impact is personal.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash or lost someone because of another driver’s negligence, don’t face it alone. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers fight for victims across Arizona — whether the crash happened in downtown Phoenix or a rural stretch near Kingman. From holding insurers accountable to securing compensation for medical bills, pain, and lost wages, we’re here to help you take back control.

You deserve more than a number on a report. You deserve justice.

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