by Ethan Faverino | Jul 14, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
A new analysis of federal traffic fatality data ranks Arizona among the nation’s most dangerous states for deadly hit-and-run crashes, underscoring the persistent toll of drivers who flee the scene of collisions.
Researchers at Andrew Pickett Law examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System covering 2019 through 2024.
Arizona ranked eighth nationwide for per-capita risk, averaging 1.55 hit-and-run fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers. During the six-year period, the state recorded 535 hit-and-run deaths among 7,081 total traffic fatalities.
Arizona also placed 11th nationally for the share of traffic deaths involving a fleeing driver, with hit-and-run crashes accounting for 7.56% of all vehicle crash fatalities.
New Mexico led the nation in per-capita risk, followed by Louisiana (1.84) and Tennessee (1.83). California recorded the highest percentage of overall traffic fatalities involving hit-and-run drivers at 11.01% followed by Hawaii (10.03%), and Nevada (9.81%).
“Leaving the scene of an accident is a critical public safety crisis that costs thousands of lives every year,” stated personal injury lawyer Andrew Pickett. “Drivers need to understand that panic is no excuse. Staying at the scene, rendering immediate aid, and contacting emergency services is a universal responsibility that can mean the difference between life and death for an injured victim.”
The findings align with a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which found that hit-and-run crashes nationwide accounted for more than 919,000 police-reported collisions, nearly 243,000 injuries, and 2,872 deaths in 2023.
Arizona’s most recent statewide figures paint a similar picture. In 2024, the state recorded 16,136 hit-and-run crashes, resulting in 4,202 injuries and 86 deaths. That total represented an increase of 488 incidents compared with 2023.
Arizona law imposes severe penalties for leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious physical injury. A conviction for a Class 2 felony hit-and-run offense can carry a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years for a first-time offender, in addition to lengthy license suspension, including a 10-year revocation in fatal cases.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Dec 4, 2024 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senator David Farnsworth is drawing attention to findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The findings revealed that Arizona is home to five of the deadliest intersections in the western United States—all of which are in Maricopa County. The study, conducted over an 18-year period, found that across the western U.S. from 2004-2022 more than 35,000 people were killed in car accidents related to these intersections. This amounts to approximately 2,000 accident fatalities per year, according to data analyzed by Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers.
Within the study’s timeframe, the situation has distinctly worsened with fatal crashes related to these intersections doubling.
Farnsworth said, “Far too many of Arizona’s roadways are filled with potholes, bumps, cracks, loose gravel, or other unstable surfaces. Some may not have adequate lighting, others may not have appropriate signage or traffic signals.”
He added, “These treacherous conditions are contributing to a hazardous commute for drivers. We must make improvements to create a safer environment for drivers traveling through notoriously deadly intersections within our state. Whether that’s adding traffic lights, lanes, or improving road surfaces, it is paramount we don’t ignore our deteriorating transportation system. It remains critical that we take a deep dive into funding reforms in the coming months to secure the necessary resources to improve our roads, highways, and freeways. Arizonans’ lives and livelihoods depend on it.”
Two of the intersections are located along SR-347, the main route to Maricopa, AZ.
Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith also weighed in on the findings, saying, “The safety of our residents is our top priority, and many of our state highways require urgent upgrades. A prime example is SR 347, which links the City of Maricopa to the Greater Phoenix area. This critical route is in dire need of expansion and safety enhancements. I am grateful that Senator Farnsworth is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to address this vital issue.”
According to the report, the five intersections in Maricopa County are Broadway Road and SR-85 (Oglesby Rd), 59th Ave and Indian School Rd, Hazen Rd and SR-85 (Oglesby Rd), Maricopa Rd and SR-347 (N John Wayne Pkwy), and Riggs Rd and SR-347 (N John Wayne Pkwy).
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
