Top Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
Several factors commonly contribute to car accidents in the Phoenix area.
Distracted Driving
In 2022, there were 8,988 crashes on Arizona roadways attributed to distracted driving based on statewide crash reports. Distracted driving can be extremely dangerous, especially when it involves using your phone and it can take three forms—manual, visual, and cognitive distractions.
Manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel, like when you’re eating or reaching for an item in the back seat. Visual distractions divert your eyes from the road, such as when you check a GPS device or read an email. Finally, cognitive distractions, like daydreaming or getting in a heated conversation with a passenger, can take your mind off driving. Texting and driving is especially hazardous as it involves all three forms of distractions.
Speeding
Speeding is prevalent on highways like Loop 202 and I-17. In fact, it’s the most common driver violation in Arizona. In 2022, 20,069 people were injured and 426 people were killed in speed-related accidents. When a person speeds, it’s much more difficult to control their vehicle and stop if needed. This type of behavior behind the wheel can contribute to various kinds of collisions, including rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and T-bone accidents.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
In 2022, 1,457 drivers were involved in crashes due to running a stop sign in Arizona and the state ranks fourth highest for deadly crashes that involve cars running a red light. Among the almost 7,800 fatal crashes in Arizona from 2018 to 2022, slightly more than 1,400 were caused by a vehicle running a red light. These dangerous maneuvers can be deadly, often leading to T-bone crashes, head-on collisions, and fatalities.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving occurs when a motorist is under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medication while operating their vehicle. Statewide DUI arrests during Memorial Day weekend in 2025 totaled 436—surpassing the number recorded during the same period in 2024. Driving while impaired does more than just cloud your judgment; it also slows your reaction time, both physically and mentally. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that a blood alcohol content of 0.02 to 0.05 percent makes a fatal crash seven times more likely than driving sober.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is especially common among commercial truck drivers, who often work long hours under strict deadlines. As a result, they may exceed legal driving limits—sometimes by choice, other times due to pressure from their employer. In 2023, over 1,500 drivers in Arizona were involved in an accident due to fatigue. Of these individuals, 606 were injured.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
In 2023, road rage contributed to 967 crashes, 214 injured parties, and seven fatalities in the Valley. In one alarming statistic from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2019 data, “nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days.” Aggressive driving, whether cutting others off, speeding, or honking inappropriately, can put both the driver and those around them at serious risk of being involved in a crash.
Tailgating and Following Too Closely
People often view following too closely as a simple fender bender situation, but these rear-end collisions can have serious repercussions. Tailgating accounted for 7,070 accidents in 2023, 1,887 injuries, and contributed to 11 fatalities in Arizona. These are especially dangerous when the following vehicle is significantly larger than the lead vehicle, such as a semi-truck and a smaller passenger car.
Improper Lane Changes and Failing to Signal
When a driver fails to signal before changing lanes, this makes others around them unable to predict their next move. As a result, serious accidents can occur, including sideswipes and rear-ends. In Arizona, unsafe lane changes accounted for 9,731 crashes in 2023, caused 1,522 injuries, and led to 21 fatalities. Nationwide, approximately 530,000 lane change crashes occur annually, constituting 10 percent of all yearly roadway accidents, according to NHTSA estimates.
Weather Conditions
Phoenix is a favorable place for driving, particularly in terms of weather, due to its lack of snow and ice. However, hazardous weather conditions persist, including dust storms and flash floods. Rain played a role in 3,274 accidents in 2023. Due to the lack of severe weather, when it does come, motorists are often unprepared or inexperienced in navigating these conditions. Hydroplaning and reduced visibility can lead to serious collisions with devastating consequences.
Teen and Inexperienced Drivers
Among the victims of auto accidents in 2023 in Arizona, 8,496 were below the age of 19. However, this does not specify whether or not these individuals were driving at the time of the incident. Further data shows that 8,364 drivers under the age of 24 were involved in a traffic collision, and 133 of these motorists were killed. This has been a steady increase since 2019, when only 82 fatalities involved drivers between 15 and 24.
Phoenix Car Accident Statistics
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the most recent data from 2023 shows:
- 122,247 total accidents
- 37,075 injury accidents
- 1,197 fatal accidents
- 54,198 injured parties
- 1,307 fatalities
- 3,864 alcohol-related injury crashes
- 258 motorcyclist fatalities
- 71.36 percent of all crashes took place in Maricopa County
- 46,074 injuries occurred in urban areas of Arizona
Alcohol-related crashes accounted for more than four percent of all crashes and 25.73 percent of all fatal accidents. Similarly, in 2021, of the 121,345 collisions, 32 percent occurred on the state highway system, while 68 percent took place on other roadways, such as city streets and county roads.
General Defensive Driving Strategies for Phoenix Roads
Phoenix drivers can avoid car accidents by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Maintain awareness of surroundings
- Anticipate other drivers’ actions
- Eliminate personal distractions
- Regular vehicle maintenance of tires, brakes, and fluids is critical in AZ heat
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Use turn signals consistently
- Be extra cautious around motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians
- Consider a defensive driving course; these can even offer insurance discounts
Your Role in Making Phoenix, AZ, Roads Safer
Accident prevention is a shared responsibility. When we all do our part on the road, it significantly decreases the risk of a collision. However, it’s unrealistic to expect all drivers to follow rules and regulations.
Because of this, a crash is still a possibility, and so are the inherent risks that come with it. When you’ve been injured in a wreck, know that you have legal options available to you. Our compassionate team can help you seek full compensation for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Phoenix car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact Runion Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’re here to help protect your rights.
