(The Center Square) – Arizona is home to some of the deadliest traffic intersections in the country. Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers released a report analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration between 2004 and 2022, revealing where the most deadly accidents have occurred in the Western U.S.
Out of the top ten deadliest intersections in the Western U.S., five are in Arizona, four are in California and one is in Idaho. All five of Arizona’s deadly intersections are in Maricopa County.
The most dangerous intersection is located at Broadway Road and SR-85 (Oglesby Road). During the period studied, there were six fatal crashes at the four-way intersection and seven fatalities. This intersection is controlled by a stop sign.
Here are the other four:
Located at 59th Avenue and Indian School Road, this traffic light controlled four-way intersection has seen five fatal crashes and seven fatalities. There have been five fatal crashes and seven fatalities at the stop sign controlled four-way intersection located on Hazen Road and SR-85. Maricopa Road and SR-347 (North John Wayne Parkway), a T-intersection with no traffic control device, had five fatal accidents with six fatalities. Lastly, there were five crashes and five fatalities at the Riggs Road and SR-347 traffic light controlled four-way intersection.
Following the release of this report, Sen. David Farnsworth released a statement on the need for improved traffic safety in Arizona.
“Far too many of Arizona’s roadways are filled with potholes, bumps, cracks, loose gravel, or other unstable surfaces,” Farnsworth said. “Some may not have adequate lighting, others may not have appropriate signage or traffic signals. These treacherous conditions are contributing to a hazardous commute for drivers. We must make improvements to create a safer environment for drivers traveling through notoriously deadly intersections within our state.”
Maricopa City Mayor Nancy Smith noted that SR-347, which is a component of two of the deadliest intersections, is in need of “urgent upgrades.”
“This critical route is in dire need of expansion and safety enhancements,” Smith said in a statement. “I am grateful that Senator Farnsworth is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to address this vital issue.”
Farnsworth, who has served as chairman of the Senate Transportation and Technology committee, is calling for increased funding to improve Arizona’s roads.
“Whether that’s adding traffic lights, lanes, or improving road surfaces, it is paramount we don’t ignore our deteriorating transportation system,” Farnsworth said. “It remains critical that we take a deep dive into funding reforms in the coming months to secure the necessary resources to improve our roads, highways, and freeways. Arizonans’ lives and livelihoods depend on it.”
