Car accidents happen every day in Arizona, leading to injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. If you are involved in a crash, you should know that you can file a citizen’s collision report in Arizona if law enforcement does not respond to the scene. However, if there’s anything you can do to reduce your chances of being in an accident, you should make every effort to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
That said, here are some of the top reasons accidents happen in Arizona. Knowing them can help you stay safe on the road.
1. Driving Too Fast
One of the main causes of accidents in Arizona is speeding or driving at a speed greater than the limit set by the police or at a speed that’s unsafe for the road conditions. When you drive too fast, you have less time to brake or swerve to avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects on the road.
That said, speed-related accidents are very avoidable since you can always control the speed of your car. While breaking the habit of speeding can be difficult, it’s essential for keeping yourself and other road users safe.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is driving while attending to other tasks that can divert your attention from the road. Some of the common distractions while driving include using your phone, eating food, talking with passengers, or fidgeting with your car’s radio or navigation system.
It’s not advisable to drive while distracted because it affects your ability to control your vehicle and make proper decisions on the road. This increases your chances of causing an accident.
3. Driving Under the Influence
Drinking too much alcohol can affect the brain, causing confusion, difficulty focusing, and poor judgment of distance and speed. It also impairs coordination, blurs vision, and can make it harder to recognize potential dangers on the road.
As a result, drunk drivers are more likely to cause traffic accidents. This is why it’s not advisable to get behind the wheel when drunk. In Arizona, you are not allowed to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.08. If you must go somewhere after drinking, get an Uber or a taxi, or you can ask a friend to drive you to your destination.
4. Failure to Yield
A large number of crashes in Arizona could have been prevented if every driver yielded the right of way at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging onto highways. Failure to yield can often lead to collisions with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Even if there are no traffic lights or signs, it is proper to check whether there is on-coming traffic and yield when required.
5. Reckless Driving
Reckless drivers make decisions without considering the consequences, which increases the chances of accidents. Some of the most common reckless driving habits that put everyone at risk include speeding, aggressive lane maneuvering, following too close to the vehicle in front, and disregarding traffic signals. So as to minimize the risks of road accidents, it is important to drive with caution, observe traffic rules and regulations, and be alert on the road.
6. Bad Weather
Arizona’s diverse terrain results in varying weather conditions across the state. The lowlands receive an average of three inches of precipitation annually, while the highlands can get up to 40 inches, much of it in the form of snow or rain.
Monsoons bring heavy rainfall over a short period, often leading to road flooding. During bad weather, it’s important to reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure you have enough time to stop safely.
7. Vehicle Defects and Poor Maintenance
Vehicle defects and poor maintenance can cause road accidents. Some of the problems that can make a vehicle become uncontrollable and, thus, raise the chances of an accident are brake failure, a blown-out tire, a faulty headlight, and an engine malfunction. In order to avoid mechanical-related accidents, you should check your brakes, tires, and fluids regularly.
8. Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is another leading cause of accidents in Arizona. The long stretches of roads in Arizona, together with the hot climate, can make drivers drowsy.
Drowsy or fatigued drivers have slow reflexes, are not very rational, and may even fall asleep at the wheel, which can cause serious accidents. So, if you are feeling tired and drowsy, it is advisable to pull over and rest so you don’t cause an accident.
What Is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive in Arizona?
Data shows that the lowest car accident rates happen from 8:00 p.m. until 5:59 a.m. This could be because there is significantly reduced traffic during these times. That said, you are more likely to be in an accident during rush hour, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:59 p.m.
The number of fatalities, however, does not show the same pattern. Many traffic fatalities occur at around 3:00 p.m. to 4:59 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the numbers increasing between 11:00 p.m. and 12:59 a.m. Given that alcohol is a major contributor to car accident deaths, it is expected that the worst times to be on the road are from Friday 8:00 p.m. to Saturday 2:59 a.m. and from Saturday 1:00 p.m. to Sunday 2:59 a.m.
Can an Attorney Help When Someone Else Causes My Car Accident in Arizona?
Yes, an attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage if you’re in an accident caused by another person. They can also help file for a claim with your insurance company, negotiate on your behalf, and defend you in case of legal rights infringement.
The lawyer can also assist in collecting evidence like the police report, witness statements, and medical documents in order to establish a good case.
Stay Safe on Arizona Roads
No matter how careful you are when driving around Arizona, you can still be involved in an accident. Whether the accident was your fault or not, the consequences can be devastating. But by being aware of the most common causes of accidents, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road.
