Arizona’s high rate of traffic fatalities driven by older population and rural roads
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Arizona had the 10th highest number of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019, with 1,088 deaths. This is higher than the national average of 1,080 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people, and higher than the average for the West region of the United States, which had 993 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people in 2019.
One reason for the high number of traffic fatalities in Arizona may be the state’s high population of older drivers. In 2019, 18.7% of the state’s population was 65 years or older, which is higher than the national average of 16.5%. Older drivers are more at risk for traffic accidents and fatalities due to age-related declines in vision, hearing, and physical ability.
Another contributing factor to the high number of traffic fatalities in Arizona may be the state’s high number of rural roads. In 2019, 71% of the state’s traffic fatalities occurred on rural roads, compared to the national average of 53%. Rural roads are often more dangerous than urban roads due to a lack of lighting, traffic control, and other safety features.
Arizona’s rate of injury crashes lower than national average, despite high number of traffic fatalities
Despite the high number of traffic fatalities in Arizona, the state’s rate of injury crashes is lower than the national average. In 2019, there were 99 injury crashes per 10,000 people in Arizona, compared to the national average of 105 injury crashes per 10,000 people.
When comparing Arizona to other states, it’s important to note that the state’s geography and demographics may contribute to its higher rates of traffic fatalities. For example, states with a higher population density and more urban roads may have lower rates of traffic fatalities due to the presence of traffic control and safety features.
One state with a lower rate of traffic fatalities than Arizona is Massachusetts. In 2019, Massachusetts had 895 traffic fatalities, which is lower than Arizona’s 1,088 traffic fatalities. Massachusetts also had a lower rate of injury crashes, with 85 injury crashes per 10,000 people in 2019, compared to Arizona’s 99 injury crashes per 10,000 people.
Graduated driver licensing programs show promising results in reducing traffic accidents and fatalities
One possible reason for the lower rate of traffic fatalities in Massachusetts is the state’s strict graduated driver licensing (GDL) program. GDL programs aim to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities among young drivers by gradually introducing them to the risks and responsibilities of driving. Massachusetts has a particularly strict GDL program, which includes a 6-month learner’s permit phase, a 6-month intermediate license phase, and a full license phase.
Another state with a lower rate of traffic fatalities than Arizona is New York. In 2019, New York had 855 traffic fatalities, which is lower than Arizona’s 1,088 traffic fatalities. New York also had a lower rate of injury crashes, with 88 injury crashes per 10,000 people in 2019, compared to Arizona’s 99 injury crashes per 10,000 people.
One possible reason for the lower rate of traffic fatalities in New York is the state’s strong public transportation system. New York City, in particular, has an extensive network of subways and buses, which may encourage more people to use public transportation instead of driving.
It’s worth noting that while Arizona may have a higher rate of traffic fatalities compared to some other states, the state has taken steps to improve traffic safety. For example, Arizona has implemented a GDL program similar to Massachusetts, and the state has also invested in infrastructure improvements such as adding median barriers and widening roads to reduce the risk of head-on collisions.
Arizona takes steps to improve traffic safety, but challenges remain
In conclusion, Arizona has a higher rate of traffic fatalities compared to some other states, due in part to the state’s high population of older drivers and high number of rural roads. However, the state has taken steps to improve traffic safety, including implementing a graduated driver licensing program and investing in infrastructure improvements. While it is important for all states to prioritize traffic safety, it is particularly critical for Arizona to continue its efforts in order to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries on its roads.
Top 10 states in the US with the highest number of traffic fatalities in 2019
Here is a list of the top 10 states in the United States with the highest number of traffic fatalities in 2019, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- California: 3,602 traffic fatalities
- Texas: 3,539 traffic fatalities
- Florida: 3,112 traffic fatalities
- Georgia: 1,430 traffic fatalities
- North Carolina: 1,437 traffic fatalities
- Pennsylvania: 1,190 traffic fatalities
- Ohio: 1,180 traffic fatalities
- Illinois: 1,069 traffic fatalities
- Tennessee: 1,058 traffic fatalities
- Arizona: 1,088 traffic fatalities