Glendale, Arizona car crashes decline, but fatal accidents on the rise

While the number of Glendale auto accidents has declined with the downturn in the economy, the number of fatal accidents has increased, the Arizona Republic reported.

Police department statistics show accidents have decreased by about 23 percent since 2005, from 6,403 to 4,910 reported last year. In 2008, Arizona traffic accidents totaled 119,588, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The number of fatal traffic accidents in Glendale increased from 4 in 2006 to 14 in 2009, according to the Glendale Police Department.

The number of accidents had been increasing each year until 2007, when traffic accidents began to decline. Authorities attribute some of the decline to targeted enforcement of problem areas, like red-light enforcement at intersections with high numbers of collisions, including 59th and Olive avenues, 83rd Avenue and Bell Road and 51st Avenue and Camelback Road.

But traffic experts also cite the economic downturn, high unemployment and low numbers of tourists as primary causes for the reduction in Arizona car accidents. AAA Arizona also cites high fuel prices as a reason for reduced travel.

“Across the nation, it has contributed to a drop in vehicle crashes,” AAA spokeswoman Michelle Donati, said. “The people who are driving are driving fewer miles than they were. You also have people taking fewer leisure trips.”

As we reported recently on our Phoenix Injury Lawyer blog, Glendale’s numbers mirror statistics statewide. Arizona traffic accidents have declined during the downturn, while the number of fatal accidents has increased in many areas.

If you or a family member has been involved in an accident, contact the Arizona injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (602) 819-3799.