Improving economy could impact recent reduction in Arizona car accidents

In 2008, Arizona traffic accidents totaled 119,588, including 842 fatal accidents that claimed 937 lives, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Total accidents declined by more than 15 percent, compared to the 141,092 crashes reported in 2007. Authorities will be watching the numbers carefully when the state releases 2009 figures in the coming weeks to see if that trend continues.While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a reduction in traffic accidents nationwide, from 37,261 in 2008 to 33,963 in 2009, some experts point to the weak economy and high unemployment as primary causes and believe serious and fatal accidents will rebound with an economic recovery.

The stats in Arizona give validity to that argument:
2004: 138,899 crashes claimed 1,159 lives 2005: 140,574 crashes claimed 1,193 lives 2006: 143,093 crashes claimed 1,300 lives 2007: 141,092 crashes claimed 1,071 lives 2008: 119,588 crashes claimed 937 lives
With the upcoming publication of last year’s statistics, comparison to a number of 2008 metrics will be useful:

-Approximately 2.57 people a day were killed in Arizona traffic accidents; or one person every 9.36 hours.

-About 153 people a day were injured; or one person every 10 minutes.

-Alcohol was involved in about one-third of all fatal Arizona traffic accidents. Of those, 4 out of 5 occurred in urban areas.

-7 out of 10 crashes occurred during daylight hours.

-Arizona traffic crashes caused more than $2.8 billion in damages.

-33 children under the age of 14 were killed in motor vehicle accidents and 4,510 were injured.

If you have been hurt in a Phoenix area car accident, the Arizona injury lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (602) 819-5191.