95 CRASHES IN
ARIZONA
SEPTEMBER 2023

The temporal patterns of fatal crashes showed some shifts year-over-year. While Friday remained a peak day for fatal crashes in both periods, the count decreased from 20 in the prior year to 18 in the current year, tying with Thursday. The peak hour for fatal crashes shifted from 7 p.m. with 8 fatal crashes in the prior period to 2 a.m. with 8 fatal crashes in the current period, indicating a change in the most frequent time of day for these events.

Fatal crashes predominantly occurred in clear weather conditions in both periods, increasing from 67 in the prior year to 81 in the current year. While crashes in cloudy and rainy conditions decreased, there was a notable shift in lighting conditions. Fatal crashes in unlit dark conditions increased from 16 to 24, whereas those in lit dark conditions decreased from 30 to 21.

The age distribution of persons involved in fatal crashes showed notable shifts, with a significant increase in the 26-34 age group, rising from 28 in the prior year to 47 in the current year, making it the highest represented group. There was also a substantial increase in the 65+ age group, from 15 to 39. Regarding vehicle makes, Toyota became the most frequently involved make, increasing from 12 to 20, while Chevrolet involvement decreased from 15 to 12.

Fatal crashes in higher speed zones increased year-over-year, with crashes at 65 mph rising from 13 to 19, and crashes at 75 mph increasing from 3 to 5. Conversely, fatal crashes in the 45 mph speed limit zone decreased from 22 in the prior period to 15 in the current period. Fatal crashes at 50 mph also saw a significant increase from 2 to 8.

The dominant manner of fatal collision in both periods was 'The First Harmful Event was Not a Collision with a Motor Vehicle in Transport,' though its count decreased from 55 in the prior period to 46 in the current period. Angle collisions increased from 14 to 19, and front-to-front collisions saw a significant rise from 5 to 15 fatal crashes year-over-year.

The most frequent vehicle body type involved in fatal crashes in the current period was 4-door sedans, which increased significantly from 24 in the prior period to 46. Light pickups also saw an increase from 15 to 20. The number of two-wheel motorcycles involved in fatal crashes remained relatively stable, decreasing slightly from 14 to 13, while truck-tractors increased from 9 to 11.

The number of fatal crashes occurring in urban areas remained constant at 64 in both the current and prior periods. However, fatal crashes in rural areas increased from 24 in the prior period to 28 in the current period. This represents a slight increase in the proportion of fatal crashes occurring on rural trafficways, from 27.3% to 30.4%.

In the current period, 'Other Principal Arterial' roads accounted for the highest number of fatal crashes with 31, an increase from 23 in the prior period. Conversely, fatal crashes on 'Minor Arterial' roads decreased from 42 to 27 year-over-year. Fatal crashes on 'Major Collector' roads saw a significant increase, rising from 5 to 16.

Fatal crashes on roadways owned by 'City or Municipal Highway Agency' remained the most frequent, increasing from 36 in the prior period to 43 in the current period. Fatal crashes on 'State Highway Agency' roads remained stable at 34, a slight decrease from 35. 'County Highway Agency' roads also saw a small increase in fatal crashes, rising from 10 to 12.

Drivers continued to be the most represented person type in fatal crashes, with their count increasing from 132 in the prior period to 158 in the current period. Passengers also saw a notable increase from 58 to 76. The number of pedestrians involved in fatal crashes slightly decreased from 26 to 24, while bicyclists increased from 3 to 5.

The number of fatalities ('K' severity) increased from 95 in the prior period to 108 in the current period. There was a substantial increase in persons sustaining minor injuries ('B' severity), rising from 11 to 39 year-over-year. Overall, the total number of injured persons (A, B, C, U severity) increased from 61 to 93.

The number of vehicle occupants reported using 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' increased from 91 to 104 year-over-year. However, there was a notable increase in instances where 'None Used/Not Applicable' was reported, rising from 54 in the prior period to 72 in the current period. This indicates a growing proportion of individuals involved in fatal crashes not using safety restraints.

The '12 Clock Point' (front impact) remained the most common point of impact in fatal crashes, with its count increasing significantly from 56 in the prior period to 77 in the current period. Rear impacts ('6 Clock Point') also saw an increase from 9 to 12. Conversely, fatal crashes categorized as 'Non-Collision' decreased from 8 to 5.

The distribution of vehicles involved in fatal crashes shifted year-over-year, with single-vehicle fatal crashes decreasing from 52 in the prior period to 41 in the current period. Conversely, fatal crashes involving two vehicles increased significantly from 29 to 46. There was also an increase in fatal crashes involving three vehicles, rising from 4 to 6.