Understanding the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tuscon, AZ and How to Avoid Them

According to the latest data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), there were 121,345 collisions across the state in 2021. 

Of those, 32% occurred on the highway system and 68% occurred on other roadways. Pima County, where Tucson is located, saw 10,872 collisions that year, which led to 161 fatalities and 5,432 injuries. 

Every time you get behind the wheel, it’s important to know the basic rules you need to follow to stay safe. The more informed you are about what could happen, the more defensively you will drive.

Today, we’re sharing the most common types of car accidents in Tucson and how you can do your part to avoid them. 

Distracted Driving

Let’s begin with one of the most common car accident causes: distracted driving. We don’t have to tell you that drivers are multi-tasking at an unprecedented rate. 

A distraction can be anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as:

• Adjusting the radio
• Texting or calling
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to passengers

Any time you buckle up, remember that your only focus should be to get from Point A to Point B as safely as possible. To the greatest extent possible, try to minimize your distractions, waiting until you arrive at your destination to change your music, take a bite, or send that text. 

Especially if you’ve been driving a long time, it’s easy to assume that you’re immune to any consequences of driving distractedly. Yet, this overabundance of confidence is precisely how accidents occur. Put simply, it can wait. 

Speeding

The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court cites speeding as the most common civil traffic violation that the local police force issues. Unfortunately, it’s all easy to go over the posted speed limit, especially if other drivers are zooming past you or you’re in a hurry to get to where you’re going. 

While you might think it’s fine to drive just five miles over the limit, remember that those guidelines are there for a reason. That’s how fast you can safely travel in your vehicle on that specific roadway. 

Don’t assume that you know better than the state legislatures who set those laws. Did you know that the faster you drive, the slower your reaction time becomes?

In the event of a collision, you need the ability to react quickly and appropriately. You simply can’t do that when your car is traveling at an excessive speed. 

Inclement Weather

It’s true that we can’t control the weather. However, we can control how we drive in it. From rain and snow to blinding sun, there are many types of adverse weather that can affect driving conditions. 

Always check the forecast and plan ahead, especially if you have a long distance to travel. Precipitation can make roadways slick, which can cause your car to slip and slide without notice. When it freezes, it’s especially dangerous.

Thankfully, snow and sleet aren’t as prominent of issues in a place like sunny Tucson. The last time it snowed in the city was back in 2019, and then it only accumulated to two inches. Still, the road can freeze due to sleet and icy conditions, so you’ll need to stay diligent. 

You might think your tires are sticking to the road as they should, but they’re likely slipper than you know. Drive slowly and defensively in rainy conditions, as well as bright ones. If you know it’s going to be especially sunny, try to plan your commute earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the glare isn’t as strong. 

Reckless Driving

Speeding and distracted driving are two types of reckless driving, but they aren’t the only ones. This means the driver is engaged in a type of behavior that endangers not only themselves and their passengers but also others on the road. 

Examples include: 

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Tailgating
• Running a stop sign
• Running a red light
• Running an intersection
• Failing to yield
• Changing lanes illegally

Not only is it important to stay away from this behavior yourself, but it’s also critical to keep an eye out for others who might be driving recklessly around you. If you see someone behaving erratically, back off and give them plenty of space. 

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is also called driving while under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). 

In Tucson (and all of Arizona), you can receive a DUI or DWI charge if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.8%. If you are operating a commercial vehicle, it cannot be above 0.4%. If you are under 21 years of age, it cannot be above 0.0%.

You might think that you can have one or two drinks and still drive coherently. However, remember the saying: Buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you’ve been drinking, give your keys to a responsible, sober driver you trust. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 37 people die each day in collisions attributed to drunk driving. While programs designed to educate drivers on these dangers have ramped up in recent years, the risk still exists. 

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving might start out innocent enough. Yet, it doesn’t take long for it to escalate into very dangerous behavior. If someone upsets you while you’re behind the wheel, it’s vital to temper your response. 

Sometimes, aggressive driving can look similar to reckless driving. For instance, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic can fall into both categories. However, there are certain actions that are decidedly aggressive, such as:

• Honking repeatedly
• Yelling
• Flashing headlights 
• Using inappropriate gestures
• Cutting another driver off
• Bumping into another vehicle

These actions can inspire acts of road rage, which can leave both drivers focused on retaliation, not the road. If your willful actions could endanger someone else, focus on driving carefully and let the situation pass. 

It’s best to be courteous and cautious at all times. Do not engage or make eye contact with an aggressive driver. It isn’t worth the risk, so calm down and move ahead carefully. 

Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs

Alcohol isn’t the only substance that can intoxicate you before you get in the driver’s seat. It’s also dangerous to be under the influence of illegal, over-the-counter, or prescription drugs. 

While some drugs, including opioids, are obviously not allowed, you may be surprised to find that even common pain relievers can leave you feeling fatigued and drowsy. If you need to take them, make sure you don’t have anywhere to go or won’t be required to drive within the given timeframe. 

If your physician prescribes you any type of narcotics, make sure to ask how they will affect your cognition, vision, and energy level. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed a list of medications that may cause drowsiness. You can find the complete list here. 

Failure to Obey Traffic Signs

Every time you see a sign on the road, there’s a reason it was put there, in that specific spot. This applies to highways, interstates, and even small backroads that are rarely traveled. 

When you’re in a rush or you’re distracted, you may tend to drive past them without giving them much thought. Yet, doing so could heighten your risk of a collision. If you injure someone after disregarding a road sign, you could be held liable for their injuries and be forced to pay them compensation for their damages. 

From stop signs and yield signs to right-of-ways and traffic circles, there are many displays designed to show you how to navigate your commute. It’s important to follow them as closely as you can. 

If you do violate or ignore a traffic sign, you could also get caught by the local police, who could issue you a ticket or warning. 

Driver Fatigue

Most of us can relate to getting a little sleepy behind the wheel. In fact, there’s a scientific name for the way the roadway can lull us into a state of sleepiness: highway hypnosis. 

If you find your eyelids getting heavy while driving, take the time to pull over into a safe location. Take a short nap or grab a coffee before getting back on the road.

Note that in this case, fatigue is considered anything that makes you less than alert. It can include drowsiness, sleepiness, or total exhaustion. All of these can impair your abilities and make it more difficult for you to react, respond, or assess conditions on the road. 

In addition to the normal events of the day, certain medications can also make you excessively tired. If you know you’re going to be driving, try to schedule your medication so it won’t reach its peak effect when you’re on the road. 

Improperly Maintained Roadways

From potholes to loose gravel, there are many issues that can occur on the roadway. In most cases, the local DOT will stay on top of these concerns, sending out a crew to make sure all roads are safe and passable. 

Yet, it is possible for conditions to deteriorate without their knowledge. When this happens, it’s important to practice extra caution every time you drive. Rough road terrain increases your chances of popping a tire or accidentally running off the road. 

Vehicle Issues and Defects

Another problem that could lead to a car accident in Tucson? If your vehicle has any outstanding, unaddressed maintenance issues that you haven’t repaired yet, it could put you at risk.

Vehicles consist of hundreds of different parts, and each part must be in strong working order to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of your routine, preventative maintenance, and take your car in at the first sign of a problem. 

Unsafe Lane Changes

As a general rule, it’s not unsafe or illegal to change lanes. However, it’s imperative to make sure the lane is completely free and open before you do so. 

Too often, drivers simply change lanes without looking. They assume that there will be enough space for their car to squeeze in, and that the other drivers will make room for them. Yet, this isn’t always the case. 

Always check your mirrors any time you change lanes, and remember to look over your shoulder to view your blind spot. Only make the shift when you know it’s safe to do so. 

Fog 

We’ve already mentioned that inclement weather can affect your driving ability. However, there is one condition that deserves its own mention: fog. 

You may not be able to always avoid driving in the fog. However, remember to use your fog lights any time you do so. That’s what they’re there for!

It’s also a good idea to drive a little under the speed limit when it’s foggy, as long as you can safely do so. Check often to make sure you’re in your own lane, and avoid any distractions so you can keep your eyes on the road. 

If you can’t see clearly in front of you, you could rear-end another vehicle on the road, which could lead to a multi-car collision. 

Avoid the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Tucson

While these are some of the most common types of car accidents in Tucson, there are lots of other hazards and risks on the road. Discussing these isn’t meant to instill fear but to inspire you to be a safe, smart, and responsible driver. 

The reality is that even if you’re as diligent as possible, an accident can still happen. If one occurs, you’ll need a trusted and reputable auto accident lawyer on your side. 

Our team at Sweet Lawyers is here to help with those next steps. Schedule a free consultation to speak to a Tuscon auto accident attorney today.