Arizona Accident Statistics
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), crashes dropped slightly in 2024—fatalities fell 6%, and injury totals remained flat. Maricopa County accounted for over 70% of all crashes.
- 88,094 crashes in Maricopa County (2024)
- 594 fatalities in Maricopa County
- Driver behavior (DUI, speeding, no seatbelt) remains top cause
Statewide Crash Totals
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 120,356 | 1,320 | 52,575 |
| 2023 | 122,247 | 1,307 | 54,198 |
| 2024 | 121,107 | 1,228 | 54,426 |
Traffic Citation Trends
- 26,000+ seatbelt violations issued in 2023
- 39,500 citations issued by Tucson PD in 2024
- Photo radar enforcement adds thousands more:
- Paradise Valley: 52,000 tickets (2024)
- Mesa: 39,000 (2024)
- Scottsdale: 73,000 (2023)
Speeding is the most common citation. Western states—including Arizona—show higher than average violation rates per driver.
Traffic tickets are common in Arizona due to heavy enforcement and high vehicle volume. Automated enforcement contributes significantly to totals, especially in metro areas.
To avoid points on your license and possible insurance hikes, consider taking an Arizona Defensive Driving Course if you’re eligible.
What To Do If You’re Pulled Over
- Pull over safely and promptly using signals
- Stay calm and keep hands visible
- Be respectful, avoid arguing
- Provide license, registration, and insurance when asked
- Sign the ticket – it’s not an admission of guilt
- Take Defensive Driving: Clean your record, avoid points
- Pay the Fine: Accept responsibility, expect points
- Fight in Court: Contest if you believe the citation was in error
Start your Arizona defensive driving course today to avoid penalties and improve your driving knowledge.
