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Traffic Deaths In Arizona Rise For Third Straight Year

According to a new report compiled by the Arizona Department of Transportation, traffic deaths in the state rose for the third straight year, climbing to 1,000 in 2017.

Spokesman Doug Pacey said driver behavior is the leading factor in fatalities.

“More than 90 percent of crashes are caused by driver behavior: drivers choosing to drive impaired, choosing to speed and drive recklessly, driving distracted," Pacey said. "Those things, along with (not) wearing a seat belt, are the leading factors in crash fatalities.”

Alcohol, prescription medication or illegal drugs played a role in 43 percent of traffic deaths, and pedestrians accounted for nearly a quarter of the 1,000 killed in vehicle crashes.

Tom Maxedon was the host of KJZZ’s Weekend Edition from 2017 to 2024.