AASHTO Journal. 7 June 2013
The number of fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes in Arizona decreased in 2012 when compared to the previous year, while more people died in motorcycle crashes last year than in 2011, according to statistics released this week by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
ADOT’s numbers show that 823 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on Arizona roadways in 2012, which is down from the 827 fatalities in 2011. The news for motorcyclists is less encouraging, as the number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes increased from 132 in 2011 to 139 in 2012, a 5.3 percent increase.
“These numbers should remind all of us to make a pledge to resist distractions and concentrate on safe driving,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski in a statement. “Public safety agencies met recently to begin updating Arizona’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. One area sure to receive even more attention in the coming year is motorcycle safety. We urge all motorcyclists to seriously consider safety-training courses and remind all drivers to increase their awareness when sharing the road with motorcycle riders.”
While ADOT recognizes there is still work to be done, the state’s fatality numbers are more encouraging than the national average. According to preliminary numbers released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last month, the number of motor vehicle fatalities increased by 5 percent across the country between 2011 and 2012, which reflected the first year-to-year uptick in seven years (see related AASHTO Journal story here). And while Arizona experienced an increase of 5.3 percent in motorcycle deaths in 2012, that number is still lower than the national average, which jumped 9 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (see related AASHTO Journal story here).
ADOT’s 2012 Arizona Crash Facts report is available here. NHTSA’s summary of preliminary 2012 motor vehicle fatality numbers are available here, while GHSA’s report on 2012 motorcycle fatalities nationwide is available here.