The Arizona Department of Transportation released its annual motor vehicle crash statistics Friday. The number of deaths in motor-vehicle crashes rose by 2.8 percent last year.
Auto-pedestrian, bicycle, and motorcycle related fatalities are also up this year. Last year 158 pedestrians, 30 bicyclists and 149 motorcycle riders died.
The report covers a variety of statistics, but ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel described which one sticks out to him.
“Overall what stands out will be the sad statistic in that more than 840 people were killed in vehicle crashes last year,” says Nintzel.
Nintzel explains what time is the most dangerous to be on the road.
“Friday is the peak day for all crashes to occur. The peak hour when it comes to all crashes would be 5 p.m to 6 p.m. so it would make sense in terms of Friday 5 p.m. comes along, we are all in a hurry to end our week and head somewhere and unfortunately that winds up being a peak time for crashes to occur,” said Nintzel.
According to the report, 299 of the 844 people killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing safety devices, including seat belts and helmets.
