2023 Traffic Fatality Statistics in Arizona
Arizona faced a challenging year in 2023, with 1,307 traffic fatalities recorded, marking the second-highest annual fatality total in the state’s history. This figure is only 13 fewer than the previous year, highlighting the ongoing importance of road safety.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recently released its annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. This comprehensive report compiles data from law enforcement agencies across the state, encompassing all types of roadways.
ADOT Director Jennifer Toth emphasized the need for collective efforts to reduce preventable crashes, stating, “Every fatality represents someone’s loved one.” The agency is actively collaborating with partners to implement safety strategies and achieve ADOT’s vision of safely connecting people.
Decrease in Fatalities, Increase in Crashes
While there was a slight decrease of less than 1% in traffic fatalities from 2022 to 2023, the total number of crashes actually increased by 1.6%. Speed, impairment, and failure to wear seat belts were identified as significant contributing factors to crashes and fatalities.
Speed was particularly alarming, with unlawful or excessive speed reported in a substantial number of crashes that resulted in fatalities and injuries. In 2023, speed was a factor in over 34% of fatalities and over 38% of injuries.
Furthermore, alcohol-related fatalities have also been on the rise over the past four years. In 2023, 332 individuals lost their lives in alcohol-related traffic incidents, representing more than a quarter of all fatalities for the year.
Twenty-Year High in Motorcycle Fatalities
Motorcycle fatalities hit a record high in 2023, with 258 reported cases. This figure reflects an 11.2% increase from the previous year and represents the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in Arizona in the last two decades.
The surge in motorcycle fatalities is attributed to the growing number of motorcyclists on Arizona’s roads. Since 2019, there has been a 33% increase in motorcycle registrations in the state.
To access the full report, click here, or view the embedded document below.
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