Traffic Fatalities Decline in Arizona for Second Straight Year

Traffic fatalities in Arizona declined for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) annual crash report, but officials caution that numbers remain unacceptably high.

The 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report recorded 1,228 traffic deaths across the state — a 6.1% decrease from 2023. Total crashes also dropped slightly from 123,256 to 121,107, a 1.7% decline.

“It’s encouraging to see fewer fatalities, but the numbers are still too high,” said Jennifer Toth, ADOT Director, in a statement. “Crashes are preventable, and we all need to make better decisions behind the wheel.”

The report highlights driver behavior as the primary cause of fatal crashes. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for nearly 28% of all traffic fatalities, though alcohol-related deaths dropped slightly from 358 in 2023 to 347 in 2024. Speeding was cited in crashes that led to 417 deaths and over 20,000 injuries.

Pedestrian and bicyclist crashes reached a five-year high, despite a slight decrease in pedestrian fatalities and no increase in bicyclist deaths. There were 2,079 pedestrian crashes and 1,379 involving bicyclists in 2024.

Local roads accounted for more fatalities (775) than state highways (453) and urban areas saw more deaths (781) than rural regions (447). Motorcyclist fatalities fell 16.4%, from 262 to 219.

Distraction was noted in at least 8,289 crashes, though officials say the true number is likely higher.

“These numbers represent lives lost and families forever changed,” said Jeffrey Glover, Arizona Department of Public Safety Director, in a statement. “We must continue to prioritize enforcement, education and safe driving.”

Source: Arizona Department of Transportation, Gilaherald.com