The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced 10 finalists in its ninth annual Safety Message Contest, after receiving nearly 3,500 entries. The contest invites the public to help select the winners by voting for their favorite safety messages through Monday, October 27 at azdot.gov/SignContest. The two messages with the most votes will be displayed on ADOT’s overhead message signs across the state as part of a campaign aimed at influencing driver behavior.
ADOT uses these traffic safety messages as part of an ongoing effort to encourage safe driving among Arizonans. According to statewide crash data, there were 1,228 fatalities from crashes on Arizona roads in 2024. Of those, 347 deaths were related to alcohol and speeding contributed to crashes that resulted in 417 fatalities. ADOT emphasizes that these incidents are preventable and not simply accidents.
National statistics indicate that about 90% of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions such as speeding or driving while distracted or impaired. These choices are considered risky behaviors that can be changed to reduce crashes and fatalities on Arizona roads.
ADOT urges drivers to slow down and avoid driving while impaired, distracted, or recklessly to make travel safer for everyone. Additional tips for safe driving can be found at azdot.gov/NoAccidents.
