Most Dangerous Roads in Phoenix, AZ

Most Phoenix car accidents are not random events. Decades of research have shown that traffic crashes result from a combination of environmental factors, legal policies, and driving behaviors. The research also shows that well-designed roads, safety-driven policies, and educated drivers can improve safety.

Understanding where and how traffic crashes occur is critically important to preventing them. Fortunately, the city government gathers crash data and provides a high-injury network map. This map guides policymakers and traffic engineers in targeting countermeasures in areas with high crash rates. This map also helps drivers avoid crash-prone roads.

Phoenix’s Riskiest Roads

Collisions that causeserious injury or death are called “KSI crashes.” According to the high-injury network map, 79 road segments in Phoenix are identified as having at least 12 KSI crashes per mile.

Some roads in Phoenix have multiple segments in that group, including: 

• W Dunlap Ave
• W Northern Ave
• W Bethany Home Rd
• W Camelback Rd
• N 27th Ave
• N 35th Ave
• W Indian School Rd 
• E Indian School Rd
• W Thomas Rd
• W McDowell Rd
• E McDowell Rd

The 79 identified segments represent just 1% of all roads in Phoenix but account for 11% of the city’s KSI crashes.

KSI Collisions in Phoenix

The city’s most dangerous roads are also its busiest. Heavy traffic volume increases interactions among vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. More interactions almost inevitably lead to more crashes, particularly on high-speed roads and at intersections. These areas are especially vulnerable to intersection accidents, distracted accidents, and rear-end accidents caused by sudden stops and reduced driver attention.

To qualify as a high-risk road, the crashes must also cause serious injury or death. Minor crashes, such as parking lot fender benders, usually only cause property damage. If anyone is injured, they typically suffer only minor injuries such as bruises, lacerations, and abrasions.

However, crashes at higher speeds generate more energy. This energy can break bones, tear soft tissues such as muscles and tendons, and even damage brain tissue. These injuries can temporarily or permanently disable crash victims, requiring emergency treatment by paramedics or emergency room doctors.

Thus, high-speed roads are often more dangerous than residential streets since drivers usually drive at or above the speed limit. Similarly, intersections are dangerous because drivers often do not anticipate other drivers’ right-of-way violations. As a result, these crashes often occur at full speed.

Tips for Driving Safely on Phoenix Roads

Phoenix drivers can reduce their risk of accidents by practicing safe driving habits and staying alert to changing road conditions. 

Some important safety tips include:

• Obey speed limits and adjust for conditions. Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Drivers should slow down during heavy traffic, poor weather, or construction zones.
• Avoid distracted driving. Looking at a phone, eating, or adjusting navigation systems can take your attention off the road for just long enough to cause a serious accident. Keeping your focus on driving can help you react more quickly to hazards.
• Leave extra following distance. Phoenix traffic can stop suddenly, especially during rush hour on major highways like I-10 and Loop 101. Allowing more space between vehicles can help prevent rear-end crashes.
• Watch for aggressive drivers. Sudden lane changes, speeding, and tailgating are common on busy Phoenix roads. If another driver is behaving aggressively, avoid engaging and give them plenty of room.
• Be prepared for dust storms. Phoenix dust storms can drastically reduce visibility within seconds. If visibility becomes dangerous, drivers should pull safely off the road and wait for conditions to improve.

Even small precautions can make a major difference in preventing serious crashes and keeping everyone safer on the road.

Driving Phoenix’s Hazardous Roads

As you navigate Phoenix, exercise extra care when using these heavily-traveled roads. Traffic congestion increases crash risk, and you cannot expect other drivers to exercise the same caution as you. When other drivers act carelessly, you can suffer serious injuries that can result in significant losses.