Arizona’s Deadliest Roads and Fatal Accident Statistics

10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Arizona

Drunk Driving Involved in 22% of Fatal Accidents

Between 2017 and 2019, 615 out of 2,745 fatal accidents in Arizona involved drunk driving.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is always dangerous. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% is enough to visibly impair your driving, while a BAC of 0.08% means you are considered legally intoxicated.

Getting caught driving under the influence in Arizona can lead to a host of penalties and long-lasting consequences. Even if you don’t cause a fatal accident, the costs of drunk driving could include a suspended driver’s license, fines and possible jail time. It can also make finding affordable car insurance in Arizona difficult, as the state requires that drivers file an SR-22 after a DUI.

Speeding Is a Factor in 31% of Fatal Crashes

Within a three-year period, 845 of Arizona’s deadly accidents involved speeding.

Speeding poses dangerous conditions for everyone on the road. Anyone going over the speed limit is more likely to lose control of their car, increasing the risk of crashing and causing severe injuries to themselves and others. In Arizona, speeding is considered a violation that can incur three points. Note that accumulating eight or more points in 12 months can lead to driving privilege suspension.

Distracted Driving Contributed to 10% of Fatal Accidents

Out of 2,745 fatal accidents that occurred in Arizona between 2017 and 2019, 277 involved distracted driving. To curb distracted driving, the state government enacted a Hands-Off law in April 2020, legally prohibiting drivers from using their phones while driving, with a few exceptions.

October and April Had More Fatal Accidents Than Any Other Month

In Arizona, April and October had the most fatal accidents compared to any other months in the three years analyzed. Both months had 249 fatal accidents each.

January and July both tie for the months with the next-highest number of deadly crashes, with and 244 accidents occurring in each month, respectively.

Average Fatal Accidents by Month

Driving Safely Protects You, Others and Your Wallet

From keeping Arizona roadways safe to saving on insurance premiums, practicing safe driving habits comes with many benefits. Drivers can start driving safely by taking safety courses, practicing defensive driving and ensuring they have auto insurance. Even the safest drivers can still get into accidents, so full coverage auto insurance is essential to financially protect yourself and your loved ones after a crash.

The average cost of car insurance in Arizona is $1,284 per year, but rates vary in different cities across the state. For instance, drivers pay an average of $1,430 annually for auto insurance in Phoenix, while car insurance in Tucson costs $1,167 per year, on average. Between the two cities, the average difference in auto insurance costs per year is $263.

Keep in mind that your rates may be different than these averages. Aside from your specific location within the state, your age, driving record and even your credit score can affect your auto insurance premiums. Make sure to compare quotes to find the cheapest auto insurance companies in your area.

Fatal Accidents and Most Dangerous Roads: County Breakdown

Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai and Mohave counties had the highest number of fatal accidents in Arizona, with 2,132 crashes combined. About 78% of the state’s total number of fatal accidents between 2017 and 2019 occurred in these five counties.

Maricopa County had the most deadly crashes in the three-year period, with a staggering 1,324 accidents — most of which occurred on the I-10. Speeding and drunk driving were the two common factors involved in these accidents.

Fatal Accidents and Contributing Factors By County

Methodology

Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's FARS (fatal accident reporting system) database, MoneyGeek analyzed fatality data from 2017, 2018 and 2019. At the time of publication, these years were the most recent available in the system.