AZ Intersections Crowned as America’s 3rd Most Treacherous, Thanks to Maricopa Factors

Arizona has been ranked as the third most dangerous state for intersections, according to a recent study by the Simmrin Law Group. This analysis covered intersection accidents nationwide from 2018 to 2022, revealing troubling statistics for the state.

With a rate of 4.09 intersection accidents per 100,000 residents, Arizona’s figures exceed the national average by 47%. Despite improvements observed in driver behavior in 2019, this year has seen a significant uptick in traffic incidents.

A spokesperson from Simmrin Law highlighted the various factors contributing to these accidents: “At intersections, drivers often speed, get distracted or fail to judge turning gaps correctly.” The added risk to pedestrians and cyclists, who share these spaces, complicates the safety landscape further.

The majority of accidents occurred in the metro Phoenix area, particularly in Maricopa, which reported more intersection-related crashes than several entire counties combined.

Just months ago, intersections on State Route 347 were identified among the most perilous in the western United States. The intersection of Maricopa Road and SR 347, having undergone safety improvements with the installation of a traffic light and a southbound acceleration lane in late 2022, may have seen a reduction in its risk profile.

The analysis pointed out that from 2004 to 2022, this specific intersection was the site of five fatal crashes, resulting in six fatalities. Insight from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) indicates that two-thirds of collisions stemmed from rear-end accidents, with peak crash frequency between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Brent Cain, a division director at ADOT, noted, “That really represents a commuter type of crash,” emphasizing that incidents are concentrated during rush hours, reflecting typical traffic patterns.

From July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022, SR 347 recorded 967 accidents, averaging nearly one crash every other day. In Pinal County alone, approximately $1.2 billion is spent annually on traffic accidents, and the county contributed 5,633 to Arizona’s total of 122,247 reported wrecks during the observed period.

Within city limits, Maricopa recorded over 500 accidents, averaging more than one incident daily. Notably, only 29 of these crashes were linked to alcohol consumption.