PHOENIX (KVOA) – Traffic fatalities in Arizona have decreased for the second consecutive year, according to the 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. Despite this improvement, fatality numbers remain near historical highs.
The report reveals 1,228 traffic fatalities in 2024, marking a 6.12 percent decline from 2023. Crashes overall dropped by 1.74 percent. Impairment and speeding are highlighted as leading causes of fatal crashes.
“It’s encouraging to see fewer fatalities on Arizona’s roadways, but the numbers are still too high and affecting too many people,” said Jennifer Toth, ADOT director.
According to ADOT, alcohol-related crashes accounted for 27.93 percent of all fatal crashes. Though these fatalities decreased by 3.07 percent from 2023 to 2024, they still represented over a quarter of all traffic deaths. Speeding contributed to 417 fatalities and 20,722 injuries.
“Too many of these crashes are the result of poor decisions — driving impaired, speeding, or not buckling up,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Pedestrian and bicyclist crashes hit a five-year high, despite fewer pedestrian deaths and steady bicyclist fatalities. Local roads and urban areas saw more fatalities compared to state highways and rural areas.
Motorcyclist fatalities fell by 16.4 percent, while injuries and deaths from not using safety devices also decreased. Distracted driving remains a concern, with over 8,289 drivers involved in such crashes.
For more detailed information about previous reports can be found here.