Speed, distracted drivers, and red
light runners
are still the main reason why accidents in Phoenix, Arizona are occurring at intersections.
AAA released a list of the top five intersections that averaged the highest
number of collisions based on data analyzed from the Maricopa Association of
Governments, over a three-year span from 2008 to 2010.
The intersections are:
35th and Dunlap avenues in Phoenix (139 average collisions);
59th and Olive avenues in Glendale (137 average collisions);
59th Avenue and Thunderbird Road in Glendale (xxx average collisions);
32nd Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix (average 112 collisions:, and
51st
Avenue and Camelback Road in Phoenix
(average 108 collisions).
AAA statistics show that
last December, Arizona saw 9,648
crashes, the highest monthly number for the entire year. The holidays can lead
to an increase in distracted driving and motorists in a hurry.
“When it comes to red-light running, we are home to some of the worst offenders
in the country,” said Michelle Donati of AAA Arizona.
“It’s gotten worse over the years,” said Jean Murphy, who has noticed an
increase in congestion and traffic on local roadways. “It’s hard to be safe.”
AAA urges drivers to drive defensively and pay attention for motorists who may
not be. “If you’re doing something at
a red light, and light turns green and you
step on the gas, you may not see a red-light runner. That could be a
fatal error,” Donati said.
OK. What is the answer here? For the most part, we all need to be a little more vigilant.
Your light turns green. You have the right to go, right? Right. If the other guy runs the red light, he is at fault, right? Right.
No problem then, right? Wrong. In this instance, you could be deadly wrong.
Under Arizona law, as drivers on the public roadway, we have the RIGHT to ASSUME that all drivers will obey the laws and rules of the roadway.
However, the best first option is to AVOID an accident if you can. It will save you a lot of time, a lot of headache (literally and physically), and perhaps, your life.
Remember—no matter who is at fault, when you are in an accident, NO ONE WINS!!!
Everyone, have a safe and happy holiday!!
