Avoiding car accidents doesn’t merely involve practicing safe driving habits. It can also involve knowing where accidents are more likely to occur.
In Arizona, like any other state, there are some roads and intersections that are naturally more dangerous than others. The following are a few noteworthy examples. Try to avoid them whenever possible. Adding a few extra minutes to your trip is better than being involved in an accident.
(Tip: If you are ever involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses, particularly if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence. Contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your options.)
I-7 (from Phoenix to Flagstaff)
The stretch of I-7 that runs from Phoenix to Flagstaff isn’t merely one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Arizona. It actually ranks as among the deadliest in the nation.
This is partially due to how well-traveled it is. Accidents tend to be more common when there are more vehicles on the road. Additionally, many drivers on this stretch may be from other parts of the country. They’re accustomed to freeways, not realizing that this stretch of I-7 features curves, hills, caverns, and other features that can make driving along it more difficult than they may have anticipated.
27th Avenue and Camelback Road in Phoenix
Research indicates more accidents occur at this Phoenix intersection every year than any other in the city. Accidents tend to be common here because the intersection is very close to a major highway entrance and exit. In these areas, traffic tends to get heavy, increasing the odds of accidents occurring.
Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale
Per recent studies, this intersection is the most dangerous in Scottsdale. As with the above example, its proximity to a major freeway likely accounts for the frequency of accidents here.
Loop 202 and Val Vista Drive in the East Valley Region
The intersection between Loop 202 and Val Vista drive sees more accidents annually than any other intersection in the state’s East Valley region. Once more, accidents tend to occur here because it’s very close to the freeway, an area that’s typically more dangerous than others. Thus, when approaching any intersection near a freeway or highway entrance or exit, it’s imperative that drivers exercise caution.
I-19
The stretch of I-19 that runs through Arizona is primarily in a remote part of the state, with few distractions. As such, many wouldn’t expect it to be very dangerous.
Unfortunately, a relatively large number of accidents resulting in injury or death occur on this stretch every year. There’s no consensus as to why what seems to be a safe road to travel accounts for so many accidents. Some argue that insufficient safety measures are to blame.
Others suggest that drivers let their guard down here. They may be more willing to text or pay less attention to the road, feeling they’re not at risk. Some may even take the opportunity to push their vehicles’ speeds in a remote area.
Regardless, if you can stay away from these roads and intersections when driving throughout Arizona, make an attempt to. Yes, you can control your own decisions behind the wheel, but you can’t control others. That means there’s always a chance you’ll be involved in an accident through no fault of your own. You can minimize the odds of that happening by choosing routes wisely.
