The number of fatalities on Arizona roads has almost steadily risen in the past seven years. Even last year, when so many businesses were closed and people were working at home, the number was higher than the previous year.
It has gotten even worse this year. As of mid-December, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reported 1,060 fatalities for the year – and that was before the start of the major holiday traffic. This is going to be one of the deadliest years on record in our state. The total number of fatalities in 2020 was 1,057, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. By comparison, 2014 saw 774 deaths.
Speed is a big factor – but just one of them
The Governor’s Department of Highway Safety blames a rise in speeding, wrong-way crashes and road rage even since 2020. The department’s director notes that speeding became more prevalent last year when fewer cars were on the road, and the situation has continued to deteriorate this year. When drivers are traveling at higher speeds, crashes are more violent and deadly. It has also been noted that shortages in law enforcement agencies have made it difficult to enforce speed limits and catch reckless drivers before they can cause a crash.
Families of those lost in tragic accidents are calling for Arizona lawmakers to do more to strengthen laws. Of course, laws make no difference to some people – particularly if they’re under the influence.
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in a crash caused by another driver, it’s crucial to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Even if the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges, you have the right to take civil action to gain compensation that covers medical costs, burial expenses, lost income and more.
