Arizona Pedestrian Crash Statistics & Fast Facts – 2022

Pedestrian accidents are a constant risk in the State of Arizona. Even the most prudent pedestrian can get injured or killed by a reckless driver. If you get injured in a pedestrian accident, you have rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the motor vehicle driver’s insurance company. Learn more about pedestrian accidents in Arizona by reviewing the latest available crash facts and statistics.

Pedestrian Collisions in Arizona by the Numbers

The most recent data available for Arizona crash statistics is from 2021. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) published a 2021 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts Summary on September 7, 2022. This report detailed all traffic accidents in the state in 2021, including collisions involving pedestrians. Below is a summary of facts pertaining to pedestrian crashes:

• In 2021, the number of Arizona pedestrian crashes increased by about 11 percent to 1,714.
• There were 258 fatal pedestrian accidents in 2021, resulting in 257 deaths. 
• A total of 1,535 pedestrians were injured in collisions with vehicles in 2021.
• Pedestrians suffered 708 minor injuries, 432 possible injuries and 395 serious injuries.
• The highest numbers of pedestrian deaths took place among two age groups: 25-34 and 35-44.
• The majority of pedestrians injured and killed in Arizona in 2021 were male.
• Most pedestrian collisions took place in urban areas; 85 percent of fatal accidents and 94 percent of injury accidents.
• A total of 143 pedestrians were killed and 980 were injured in Arizona while crossing the road. 
• The second highest pedestrian action was “standing,” accounting for 22 deaths and 107 injuries.
• The majority (61 percent) of pedestrians involved in collisions were under no apparent influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Most pedestrian collisions took place in daylight (798), followed by dark – lighted conditions (675).
• The weather conditions at the time of most pedestrian accidents (1,506) were clear.
• The county with the highest number of pedestrian crashes (1,237) and deaths (162) was Maricopa County.
• Together, Maricopa and Pima Counties accounted for 81.32 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in Arizona.

 These numbers demonstrate certain trends. Statistically, pedestrian collisions are most likely to occur in urban areas, during the day or at night where street lights are present. They are most likely to occur when a pedestrian is crossing the road, and the victims are most often middle-aged. Finally, Maricopa County tends to see the highest number of pedestrian collisions – and car accidents in general – compared to the rest of the state.

How Does Arizona Compare to the Rest of the Country?

According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2020. There were also around 104,000 emergency department visits by pedestrians for nonfatal injuries. A countrywide comparison published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2020 placed Arizona sixth on the list for its pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population. Arizona’s rate was 2.99, with 222 pedestrians killed in 2020. The other top states for pedestrian deaths, in order, were New Mexico, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian crash data shows that driver error is the number one cause of these accidents. Motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to drive safely, prudently and in accordance with all applicable traffic laws. Unfortunately, many drivers violate this obligation, otherwise known as the duty of care. They commit acts and omissions that go against what is reasonable for the situation. This can place everyone sharing the roadway with the driver at risk – especially vulnerable pedestrians.

Common examples of driver errors are:

• Driving too fast for conditions
• Speeding in a school zone or residential area
• Texting while driving
• Driver inattention
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while fatigued
• Aggressive or reckless driving behaviors
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Running stop signs and stop lights
• Ignoring other traffic signs or signals
• Passing a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk
• Passing a school bus
• Improper vehicle maintenance

Negligent, careless and reckless drivers pose a serious threat to pedestrians in Arizona. If a motor vehicle driver causes a pedestrian collision, his or her car insurance company will be responsible for paying for the victim’s medical bills and other losses. In addition to driver error, other common causes of pedestrian collisions are poor roadway conditions, sidewalk defects, dangerous construction zones and bad weather.

Where Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Arizona?

Since, statistically, the majority of pedestrian collisions in Arizona take place when a pedestrian is crossing the road, intersections and crosswalks are particularly dangerous for these vulnerable road users. Negligent drivers may fail to stop when and where they are required to do so, including at pedestrian crosswalks and marked or unmarked intersections. Urban locations where pedestrian and vehicle traffic commonly intersect are also danger zones. Pay extra attention to vehicle traffic and your surroundings as a pedestrian in these areas.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Be proactive about your safety as a pedestrian in Arizona. Although drivers have an obligation to obey traffic laws and prevent accidents, they often fall short of their responsibilities and put others at risk. Take your safety into your own hands with these tips: 

• Wear bright colors when walking or jogging.
• Always wait for the right-of-way before crossing the road.
• Even if you have the right-of-way, wait until a driver has come to a complete stop.
• Make eye contact with a driver to ensure that he or she sees you before crossing.
• Teach children pedestrian safety tips early, such as looking both ways before crossing the road.
• Avoid walking and biking at night, especially without a light or reflective gear.
• Do not attempt to walk home while intoxicated or inebriated. 
• Always use a sidewalk or pedestrian bridge, when available. 
• If you must walk on the road, walk on the shoulder as far to the right as possible. Walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Avoid distractions while walking, such as listening to earbuds or looking down at a cell phone.

 If you get hit by a car in Arizona, contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, including the right to seek financial compensation from the driver’s insurance carrier. Speak to a lawyer at Stone Rose Law at no cost about a recent pedestrian accident by calling (480) 498-8998.