Walking along Arizona streets can be one of the most dangerous things you do, according to recent data released by the state’s Department of Transportation. In fact, being hit by a car is one of the top 20 causes of death for people living in Arizona. It often happens in big cities, and other studies show that cities like Phoenix are slow to remedy this danger.
One of the deadliest areas for pedestrians in Arizona is 27th Avenue, near Bethany Home Rd. Six people were killed here in the past several years, and four others were injured, according to ADOT. There are many reasons for these crashes, including intoxication, distracted driving, pedestrians crossing outside of a designated crosswalk, and speeding drivers.
Phoenix residents are wondering why more isn’t being done to cut down on the number of pedestrian crashes. For example, according to AZ Central, Phoenix has installed nearly two dozen new crosswalks in the previous few years, but not one of them in a high fatality area. Some of the new crosswalks include HAWK signals, which flash red and urge cars to stop until the area is clear. But an analysis by The Republic shows they are being installed in areas where no pedestrians were seriously injured or killed in the past several years. Another extremely deadly area which has seen five fatalities, McDowell Road between 40th and 43rd streets, isn’t scheduled to get a new signal until 2022.
Here is a list of other dangerous intersections in the Phoenix area:
35th Avenue and Glendale (3 fatalities)
Thomas Road, Central Avenue to 3rd Street (2 fatalities)
19th Avenue, north and south of intersection with Dunlap Avenue (2 fatalities)
Camelback Road, 19th Avenue to I-17 (3 fatalities)
Indian School Road, 19th Avenue to 23rd Avenue (3 fatalities)
Indian School Road, 7th Street to 12th Street (4 fatalities)
Northern Avenue, near intersection with 12th Street (5 fatalities)
7th Avenue, north of Buckeye Road to Cocopah Street (4 fatalities)
While it’s impossible to account for the actions of others, including speeding, distracted and drunk drivers, it is possible to take some safety steps while crossing a road. Always cross at a designated crosswalk, when it signals that it is safe for you to do so. Make sure to look both ways even if the signal tells you to walk. Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you, and make sure they are at a complete stop before you proceed in front of them. Watch for drivers turning and make sure they see you in the crosswalk.
If you or a loved one is injured while crossing a roadway, contact our experienced team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., for a free consultation. We may be able to get you a settlement to help pay your medical and recovery costs.