Serious Car Accidents are Rising in Arizona: What is Happening and What Can Be Done?
Motor vehicle accidents have long been a leading cause of accidental injuries and accidental fatalities in Arizona and throughout the country. For several decades, our roadways were gradually becoming safer. However, since 2020, there has been an alarming turn in the other direction. Bad car crashes are on the rise. In this blog post, our Tucson car accident attorney provides a more detailed overview of the latest data, explains why highway safety officials believe crashes are rising and highlights tips that you can use to reduce your safety risks.
After Years of Gradual Improvement, Catastrophic and Deadly Crashes are Rising
In 1972, 54,589 people were killed in car crashes nationwide—the highest of any single year in U.S. history. Since the mid-1970s, the number of car accident fatalities and catastrophic injuries has been gradually declining—at least until recently. On a per-vehicle-mile traveled basis, 2014 was the safest year in the history of American roads. However, the trend has reversed. Alarmingly, since 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of serious crashes.
According to data in a report cited by Arizona PBS, 2021 saw the most motor vehicle accident fatalities in Arizona in 15 years. 1,212 people were killed, a dramatic increase from our state’s recent low of 759 in 2010. Arizona is not an outlier. The United States as a whole is experiencing a rise in serious car wrecks. The preliminary estimates for 2022 indicate that last year was about as dangerous for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians as 2021.
Highway Safety Officials Suspect a Rise in Risky Driving Behaviors (More Research Needed)
Highway safety officials in Arizona are increasingly concerned about the recent rise in car accidents. While significantly more research is needed on the matter, officials suspect that a rise in risky driving behaviors may be to blame. The state has seen a noticeable increase in the number of collisions in recent months, with many of them resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Officials believe that drivers are engaging in more dangerous activities such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence at higher rates than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three Safety Tips that You Can Use to Reduce Your Risk of Being Involved in a Crash
Car accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The rise in collisions is a serious concern. The good news is that there are proactive measures that you can take to help protect yourself and your family. Here are three actionable safety tips that you can use to reduce your risk of being involved in a car crash in Arizona:
- Put Your Phone Away (and Avoid Other Distractions): Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Texting, browsing social media, or even changing music can take your attention away from the road and lead to a collision. Always keep your phone out of sight and reach, and if you must use it, pull over to a safe location.
- Always Comply With the Speed Limit: Speed increases both the risk of and potential severity of a crash. Always obey the speed limit, especially in residential areas and school zones. Protect yourself by slowing down.
- Take Additional Care in Adverse Conditions: All motorists should also take additional care in adverse conditions. It could be bad weather, nighttime driving, or stop-and-go highway traffic. Regardless, take extra care at times when collisions are more likely to occur.
Of course, there is nothing that you can do to eliminate your risk of being involved in a car crash. You could be the victim of negligence by another driver, truck company, or another party. Following a crash, you must seek immediate medical attention. Our Arizona car accident lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tucson, AZ Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At The Karnas Law Firm, our Arizona car crash attorneys are committed to providing extraordinary advice that truly helps to improve the lives of our clients. If you or your family member was hurt in a motor vehicle collision, we are more than ready to help you fight for financial compensation. Give us a phone call now or contact us online for a free, no-commitment case review. From our offices in Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma, we handle motor vehicle accident claims throughout Arizona.