The total number of motor vehicle accidents in Arizona increased by 2,077 accidents in 2014 compared to 2013, according to the latest accident statistics released by the Arizona Department of Transportation, figures that illustrate just how dangerous car accidents remain in Arizona, according to attorney Kyle A. Israel, founding attorney at Phoenix-based law firm Israel & Gerity, PLLC.

“There’s always room for improvement when it comes to auto accidents in Arizona,” Israel said. “An additional 2,000 accidents statewide in 2014 might not seem like a lot. But every single accident matters. Each accident represents a significant financial and emotional toll on families throughout Arizona. We know because our law firm has worked with accident victims in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.”

In 2014, there were 109,554 motor vehicle accidents in Arizona, an increase of 2 percent compared to 2013, when there were 107,477 accidents total, according to statistics compiled by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as reported on InMaricopa.com’s website. The same article noted that the overall number of traffic fatalities dropped by 9 percent in 2014 (774 fatalities) compared to 2013 (849 fatalities) in Arizona. (InMaricopa.com, “Arizona motor-vehicle crash deaths dropped in 2014,” June 5, 2015)

According to ADOT’s statistics, the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents in Arizona was “speed too fast for conditions,” InMaricopa.com reported.

Other findings in the report include:

  • Fatal pedestrian accidents decreased from 160 in 2013 to 157 in 2014.
  • Fatal motorcycle accidents decreased from 149 in 2013 to 127 in 2014.
  • Fatal bicycle accidents decreased from 29 in 2013 to 28 in 2014.

ADOT’s director John Halikowski commented on the latest accident statistics for Arizona. “While it is encouraging to see a reduction in crash fatalities, all drivers in our state need to focus on the safe behaviors that will keep us moving toward an ultimate goal of zero fatalities,” Halikowski said, as quoted by InMaricopa.com. “The key to having fewer tragic deaths is for all of us to do the smart things, such as buckling up, obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired. That would make a remarkable difference.”

Phoenix car accident attorney Michael E. Gerity of Israel & Gerity, PLLC agreed. “Every decision drivers make can have a profound impact on the lives of everyone on the road,” Gerity said. “As we enter the summer driving season – when millions of Americans will hit the road and visit friends, family and popular tourist destinations like the Grand Canyon – it’s more important than ever for all Arizona drivers to do the things that can help prevent a car accident from happening. If everyone just took a few more seconds to look before turning or changing lanes or put down their phones behind the wheel, we will likely have fewer car accidents in the future. And the lower we can get that number, the better.”