Speeding, impairment, and failure to wear seat belts are among the main causes of traffic fatalities in Arizona, according to state officials. These factors contribute to hundreds of preventable deaths each year.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), and the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS) have launched a new traffic safety campaign titled “There’s No Such Thing As Accidents.” The campaign aims to change driver behavior and reduce fatalities on Arizona roads.
National crash data shows that driver behavior is responsible for more than 90% of collisions. In 2024, speeding was involved in 417 traffic deaths in Arizona, while alcohol was a factor in 340 fatalities. The agencies stress that safer travel begins with individual choices made by drivers.
“These are simple actions that will result in fewer deaths on Arizona’s roads. Choose not to speed. Choose to not drive impaired. Choose to wear a seatbelt,” said ADOT Director Jennifer Toth.
The campaign will use public service announcements on television, radio, social media, digital advertising, and other venues to highlight risky driving behaviors and encourage safer habits among motorists.
Colonel Jeffery Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, stated: “The term ‘accident’ downplays the fact that most crashes are preventable. While we are dedicated to educating the public on safe driving practices — like avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts and driving sober — we are equally committed to enforcing traffic laws to hold drivers accountable and help make Arizona’s roads safer for everyone.”
Recent years have seen an increase in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths from crashes. Officials note that failing to yield is the leading cause of such incidents, while phone use can raise crash risk significantly. Drivers are urged to watch for others when turning and avoid using their phones behind the wheel.
“Crashes are not accidents — they’re preventable. Impaired driving, speeding and distraction are the leading causes. These aren’t random events — they’re the result of poor choices,” said Jesse Torrez, Director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Every life lost, every serious injury could have been avoided with one right decision. It’s time to take accountability. It’s time to demand change.”
The timing of the campaign aligns with October—a month that has historically seen more crashes and fatalities than any other month over the past three years. On average, October has had 11,022 crashes and 126 fatalities annually during this period based on law enforcement reports compiled by ADOT.
Officials emphasize that wearing seat belts, not speeding, and avoiding impaired driving can reduce crashes and save lives across Arizona communities.
More information about the campaign is available at https://azdot.gov/NoAccidents.
