Causes of Neighborhood Collisions in Phoenix

Accidents are all too common in Phoenix. In fact, recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the Valley of the Sun has the highest rate of deadly crashes and pedestrian fatalities among the most populated cities in the US, surpassing even Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston.

But what are the causes behind some of these crashes? The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says the main culprit is speeding. Other causes include driving under the influence or driving distracted. These are the same crash causes that Phoenix auto accident lawyers see every day.

Slowing Down Can Save Lives

In 2023, speeding contributed to more than 20% of all crashes in Phoenix, according to ADOT. Why does speed matter? The speed at which you drive can be the difference between a mild fender bender and a life-threatening crash. When drivers speed, there’s less time to stop, it’s harder to react to changing road conditions, and the impact of a collision becomes much more severe. 

Several rules, regulations, and deterrents have been put into place in Phoenix to try and cut down on the number of speeding drivers in the city, like speed cameras in some crash hot spots or fines for going over the speed limit. But slowing down is about more than just following the law, it’s about keeping everyone on the road, including you, safe.

The Dangers of Driving Distracted or Under the Influence

Among the many local road hazards causing accidents in Arizona, impaired and distracted drivers remain some of the most dangerous. The latest data reveals distracted driving alone led to more than 8,600 crashes and more than eighty deaths statewide. As for strictly mobile phone use crash statistics in Arizona, the exact number is harder to pinpoint, especially because many of these incidents go underreported because drivers may not admit to being distracted or are tragically unable to report after a deadly crash takes their life. 

Impaired driving is just as serious, too. According to statistics from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Phoenix Police arrested more than 2,100 people in 2024 as a result of driving under the influence. Whether someone is behind the wheel while distracted or impaired, the result can be devastating for everyone involved.

Navigating the Accident Aftermath

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by speeding, distracted driving, impairment or any other road hazard, it’s important to understand your rights. These types of crashes can be incredibly complex, especially when it comes to determining fault or dealing with insurance companies. 

This is where our team at Gage Mathers can step in. We have decades of experience handling cases just like yours and can help you figure things out from start to finish. 

Our team has handled a wide range of accident cases, from high-speed collisions to those caused by distracted or impaired drivers. With a 99.99% success rate, we’re confident in our ability to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our belief is that your recovery comes first, and we can handle the rest!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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