Auto accidents happen every day throughout the state of Arizona. The experience of being in one yourself is frightening, especially when injuries are involved. More than half of all road traffic deaths occur among people between the ages of 16 and 44. In 2018 alone Arizona reported more than 127,000 motor vehicle accidents. To keep yourself safe as a driver, it is important to understand the top 4 most common causes of car accidents in Arizona.
- Speed Violations. Failing to obey the posted speeding regulation is the biggest cause of car accidents in Arizona. You will be in a hurry from time to time, like being late for work or an appointment. But it is never worth the risk to drive in speeds exceeding the posted limits. These speeding regulations are put in place to protect both yourself and others who are driving or walking on the roadways. Accidents related to speeding violations accounted for 33 percent of all Arizona auto accidents in 2018. Speeding is one of the most preventable causes of Arizona auto accidents.
- Distracted Driving. Using your cell phone while driving, not looking at the road because of music playing in your car, or some other form of distraction is another dangerous driving habit that causes accidents. Arizona just recently became the 48th state to ban cell phone use while driving. The amount of Arizona auto accidents caused from distracted driving in 2018 is estimated to be 25 percent. These accidents are totally preventable if you always make sure to keep your eyes on the road.
- Failure to Yield. It is imperative that you pay close attention to traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs. The Arizona state legislature thoroughly explains the right of way laws. This includes yielding to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Car crashes in Arizona resulting from failure to yield accounted for 17 percent of auto accidents in 2018. According to Arizona laws, drivers should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Two Vehicles at an Intersection. When two vehicles approach the same intersection from different streets at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way. The only exception to this rule is when a driver is entering a highway and when the vehicle on the left is travelling on a continuing street, and the driver on the right is on a road that ends, like when entering a highway.
- Controlled Intersections. Motorists must obey all traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs at a controlled intersection. Always look before entering an intersection and carefully drive through a green light at a steady speed. If you come to an intersection with a stop sign, come to a complete stop, and make sure the path is clear before continuing to drive.
- Uncontrolled Intersections. An uncontrolled intersection is one that doesn’t have a traffic light or stop sign, or the traffic signal is inoperative. You should approach this intersection as if it is a 4-way stop. If two vehicles enter the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
- Impaired Driving. Driving under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs and alcohol continues to be a big cause of disastrous auto accidents in Arizona. You are responsible for knowing the legal blood alcohol content level in Arizona of 0.08 percent, and subsequent penalties for receiving a DUI. Driving while impaired severely limits your driving abilities and reaction times and is also one of the leading causes of driving fatalities. Alcohol related crashes accounted for 3.7 percent of all Arizona car accidents, and 26 percent of all fatal accidents in 2018. If you are going to go out and drink, be sure to have a designated driver with you.
These are the most common causes of car accidents in Arizona. The auto experts at Virginia Auto Service want to ensure the safety of every one of our customers, and the people in our community. If you are in the Phoenix area and have any care or repair needs for your vehicle, give Virginia Auto Service a call at 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment with us online at your convenience.