2015 was the deadliest year for motorists in the last 7 years according to Arizona Department of Transportation data.
There were 891 deaths from January through September, 2015. Speeding, impaired driving and failure to wear seat belts accounted for more than one third of the collisions resulting in fatalities.
It is expected that the full twelve months period of motor vehicle deaths will be “super high,” according to Alberto Gutier, Arizona Governor’s office of Highway Safety Director.
In 2015 the United States had the highest one year percentage increase in traffic deaths in 50 years, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Initial figures indicate that over 38,000 people were killed on U.S. roadways, 4.4 million sustained injuries.
Possible causes include cheaper gas, and an increase in motor vehicle mileage. Past NSC research states that alcohol, speed and distracted driving are the leading causes of roadway fatalities.