Fatal Car Crashes Decline in Arizona, But Overall Crashes Remain High

If you’ve been keeping up with traffic safety news in Arizona, you’ve probably heard plenty about drunk drivers and people texting behind the wheel. Indeed, those issues remain big problems. But a closer look at the latest statewide crash data reveals something surprising: speeding is actually the number-one factor in fatal crashes in our state.

This isn’t just guesswork. These numbers come from the 2024 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, released by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in July 2025. As Arizona car accident lawyers, we know the “why” behind a crash matters just as much as the “what.” Understanding the real causes of serious collisions can help keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safer, and it might even change the way we think about our daily commutes.

Quick snapshot

According to the ADOT’s 2024 Crash Facts report, here’s what happened in Arizona in 2024:

• 1,228 traffic fatalities across all roads (city streets, highways, and all other roads), down 6.1% from 2023.
• 121,107 total crashes, a drop of 1.7% from 123,256 in 2023.

These stats show some signs of progress, but the numbers are still way too high.

What’s causing these crashes?

It’s all in the ADOT breakdown:

• Speed, defined as going too fast for conditions or exceeding the limit, was involved in crashes that caused 417 fatalities and 20,722 injuries in 2024. That’s 33.9% of fatalities and 38% of injuries.
• Alcohol impairment also remains a major factor: 347 alcohol-related fatalities in 2024 (down slightly from 358), making up just over 28% of all deaths.
• Driver behavior matters, especially speeding, drunk driving, and not wearing seatbelts, all of which are central in most fatal crashes.
• Distracted driving numbers are likely understated, but at least 8,289 drivers were noted as distracted.

The bottom line? Speeding leads the pack, and it’s bigger than the usual suspects of drinking and cell phones.

What makes speeding so dangerous?

Most drivers know that speeding can earn you a ticket. But the danger goes far beyond the possibility of a fine. Higher speeds:

• Reduce reaction time. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to respond to a sudden change, like a car braking ahead or a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk.
• Increase crash severity. Physics is unforgiving: more speed equals more force on impact. That means worse injuries and a higher likelihood of fatalities.
• Make it harder to control your vehicle. Even experienced drivers can lose control more easily at higher speeds, especially in bad weather or on rough roads.

What’s more, many people underestimate how just a few extra miles per hour over the limit can dramatically change the outcome of a crash.

Where do the most dangerous crashes happen?

Another surprising detail from ADOT’s report is where these deadly crashes take place.

• Local roads accounted for 775 fatalities, more than the 453 deaths on state highways.
• Urban areas saw 781 fatalities, compared to 447 in rural areas.
• Pedestrian crashes totaled 2,079, and bicyclist crashes reached 1,379, marking concerns for vulnerable road users.

This means that your daily drive to work, school, or the grocery store may be riskier than you realize. The presence of more pedestrians, cyclists, and intersections in urban areas contributes to these numbers.

Why these numbers matter

Statistics can feel abstract until you picture the real lives behind them. A pedestrian hit by a speeding car in a neighborhood doesn’t just become another number in a report. They’re someone’s parent, child, friend, or coworker. Families are left grieving. Survivors often face long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma.

“The continued decline in traffic fatalities is a positive sign, but these numbers still represent lives lost and families forever changed,” said Col. Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

For law firms like Plattner Verderame, these numbers aren’t just research. They reflect the real cases we handle every year. Understanding that speeding is a major factor helps us investigate crashes, build stronger cases, and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Part of the reason speeding doesn’t get as much attention as other crash causes is perception. Many people think of it as a minor infraction. A few miles over the limit can’t hurt, right? But the data tells a different story.

Raising awareness is the first step. If drivers understood that speed kills more often than drunk driving in Arizona, they might think twice before pressing harder on the gas pedal. Public campaigns, better enforcement, and infrastructure changes, like speed-calming road designs, could all make a difference.

Tips for safer driving in Arizona

While we can’t control the actions of every driver on the road, we can take steps to reduce our own risk:

• Follow the posted speed limits, and remember, they’re set for ideal conditions. If it’s raining, dark, or the road is busy, slow down.
• Leave extra space. The faster you’re going, the more distance you need to stop safely.
• Plan ahead. Give yourself more time for trips so you’re not tempted to speed.
• Be especially cautious near pedestrians and cyclists. Even low-speed impacts can be deadly for vulnerable road users.
• Stay focused. Eliminate any distractions so you can react more quickly if something unexpected happens.

What are my legal options if I’m involved in a crash in Arizona?

If you’re injured in a crash caused by a speeding driver, you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Lost income from time off work
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

At Plattner Verderame, our car accident lawyers investigate the details of your crash, pulling police reports, interviewing witnesses, and sometimes working with accident reconstruction experts. We know how to prove when speed was a factor, and we fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

The 2024 crash data makes one thing clear: speeding is not just a harmless habit. It’s a leading cause of death on Arizona roads, ahead of even alcohol and distracted driving. Slowing down, staying alert, and respecting speed limits could save hundreds of lives every year. And if you or a loved one is ever hurt by a driver who ignores those rules, know that there’s help available. Our Arizona car accident lawyers are here to stand up for crash victims and their families, because everyone deserves to feel safe on our roads.

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a speeding driver, don’t try to handle it alone. The insurance companies have teams of people working to minimize what they pay you. You deserve a team working just as hard for you. At Plattner Verderame, we’ve been standing up for Arizona crash victims for decades, and we know how to prove when speed and reckless driving were to blame. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing, not paperwork. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.