Every year, thousands of people are hurt or killed in car crashes across Arizona, and almost all of them are preventable. According to the 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, there were over 121,000 reported crashes, leaving more than 54,000 people injured and 1,200 lives lost.
So what’s really causing these accidents on our roads? Let’s break down the seven leading causes of Arizona car accidents, what the latest data shows, and how you can protect yourself and your family.
1. Distracted Driving
It only takes a split second of distraction to cause a crash. In Arizona, rear-end collisions accounted for nearly 38,600 crashes last year. That is a clear sign that drivers are often not paying attention.
Whether it’s texting, checking GPS, eating, or adjusting the radio, distracted driving remains one of the top causes of injury crashes statewide.
Safety Tip:
Put your phone out of reach, finish your messages before you drive, and stay focused on what’s ahead. A single glance away can change your life forever.
2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding was a factor in 217 fatal crashes in 2024. That’s nearly 1 in 5 fatal crashes in Arizona. When you’re driving too fast, you have less time to react and a much higher risk of losing control.
Aggressive behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic only make things worse, especially on busy Phoenix freeways and rural highways.
Safety Tip:
Slow down and leave plenty of space between vehicles. Follow speed limits laws and regulations. Remember, saving a few minutes is never worth risking your life, or someone else’s.
3. Impaired Driving (Alcohol or Drugs)
Despite years of public awareness campaigns, impaired driving continues to be one of Arizona’s deadliest problems. The report shows 312 alcohol-related fatal crashes last year, which is nearly 28% of all traffic deaths.
Alcohol and drugs slow your reflexes, cloud your judgment, and make it harder to react to sudden changes on the road.
Safety Tip:
If you plan to drink, plan a ride. Use a designated driver, rideshare, or call a friend. There’s always another way home, but there’s no undoing the damage of a DUI crash.
4. Intersection and Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn and angle crashes made up more than 30% of all multi-vehicle collisions in 2024. These often happen when a driver fails to yield or tries to beat a red light.
Intersections are especially dangerous in high-traffic areas like Phoenix, Glendale, and Mesa, where visibility and timing can quickly turn dangerous.
Safety Tip:
Always double-check for oncoming traffic before turning, and never rush through a yellow light. A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a serious crash.
5. Driving at Night or in Low Visibility
While most crashes happen during daylight, fatal crashes are far more common at night. More than 500 people were killed in nighttime collisions last year, often due to reduced visibility or impaired drivers.
Safety Tip:
If you’re driving at night, keep your headlights clean and aligned, reduce your speed, and stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
6. Failing to Use Seat Belts
One of the most heartbreaking findings from the 2024 data is that 397 of those killed weren’t wearing a seat belt. That’s nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in Arizona, and every single one was preventable.
Safety Tip:
Buckle up every time, even for short trips. Seat belts are your first line of defense in any crash.
7. Young and Inexperienced Drivers
Drivers under 25 continue to be involved in a significant number of crashes, resulting in more than 12,000 injuries in 2024 alone. Young drivers are more likely to speed, get distracted, or underestimate road risks.
Safety Tip:
For teens and young adults, more driving practice and strict limits on phone use can make a huge difference. Parents set clear rules, ride along often, and model safe driving habits.
Stay Safe and Know Your Rights
Most Arizona crashes are preventable incidents caused by negligence. When another driver’s carelessness causes your injuries, you have every right to hold them accountable.
Our legal team at Esquire Law helps crash victims across Phoenix and throughout Arizona get the justice and compensation they deserve. We know how insurance companies work, and we fight to make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about your options.