Number of people dying from traffic accidents in Arizona is down for 2nd year in a row

PHOENIX — Traffic fatalities have been slowing down in Arizona for the past two years, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

“The number of traffic fatalities in Arizona went down for the second year in a row in 2024 and the number of total crashes also dropped,” ADOT spokesperson Kelsey Mo told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

Officials found out the good news by crunching numbers in the 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

The 2024 total of 1,228 traffic fatalities on Arizona roadways, including local streets, was 6.1% lower than the 2023 tally, according to the report.

Traffic fatalities were down, but it isn’t all good news

While the drop is encouraging, Mo said there’s also a downside to keep in mind: More specific issues such as alcohol-related fatalities and speeding are still near all-time historic highs.

Furthermore, Arizona lost over $20.8 billion due to motor vehicle crashes last year, according to ADOT’s report.

“So, alcohol-related fatalities also dipped from 2023 to 2024, but those accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities in 2024,” Mo said. “There were also 417 fatalities from crashes that involved speeding and that accounted for over 33% of the total fatalities.”

The findings came shortly after a new report from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety came out. It found that more motorists were arrested for speeding and aggravated DUI over the Fourth of July weekend this year than during the same weekend in 2024, the report found.

“Motorists are choosing to speed, choosing to drive impaired or not use seat belts,” Mo said. “It should be a reminder that we can all make better decisions behind the wheel to help reduce preventable crashes and deaths on Arizona roads.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Anna Olp contributed to this report.

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