Distracted Driving A Number One Issue for Arizona; Share the Road Critical for Holidays

PHOENIX, AZ / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 18, 2020 / Distracted driving on Arizona roadways has become a serious problem. Everyday, an average of 2.61 persons are killed in a car, on a motorcycle or using a bicycle. Add to that more than 126,987 crashes, some 950 fatalities and more than 56,700 injuries. The fact is, distracted driving is taking the state’s eye off of the collective goal: to reduce crashes and fatalities on Arizona’s major arterials.

So, what can be done to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities and to save more lives on Arizona’s roads?

Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), a non-profit 501c (3) foundation, has joined forces with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS, Dignity Health (Chandler Regional Medical Center, Arizona Trauma Association, Law Tigers, RideNow and Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, among others, to create a statewide awareness about the critical importance of staying focused on the road at all times when driving/riding.

According to AZGOHS officials, Arizona added more than one million new drivers to its roadways last year as a result of growing interstate migration. The sheer number of people driving and riding on Arizona roads, coupled with loads of conflicting interstate driving habits and freeways that weren’t ready for the immediate implosion of drivers, has led to the need to get serious about distracted driving.

This multi-pronged movement, which is geared to reduce the number of the time is now to focus drivers and riders on the critical importance of sharing the road with respect and being completely aware of one’s surroundings.

AMSAF and its partners, which encompass healthcare, insurance, legal, police departments, corporations, small business and AZGOHS, are working to: 1) focus Arizona drivers/riders on the crucial need to be undistracted when driving/riding and 2) to provide scholarships, statewide, to train motorcyclists how to drive more defensively and safe. This powerful combination is the key to public awareness and better road safety practices. The consortium’s efforts include public safety outreach and community grassroots efforts including billboards, police safety events and working with new and social media, among others.

According to a recent report by The Road information Program (TRIP), Arizona recorded 1.09 highway deaths per million vehicle miles traveled on its interstate highways in 2018, almost twice the national average that year. However, Arizona officials say it isn’t because of deteriorating conditions or funding but rather driver behaviors. People must pay attention to speed and not drive impaired or distracted.

“We want to work with Arizona businesses to develop driver/rider safety awareness ideas and initiatives,” says Mick Degn executive director for AMSAF. “After all, the people sharing our roadways are your family members, customers, friends and colleagues. Their lives matter as does their safety and the safety of others.”

Arizona’s distracted driving bill goes into affect in 2021. A first violation bill range between $75-149 and two or more violations will cost $150-250. There will also be court fees especially if the person requests a hearing and is found responsible. However, the fine is up to $2500 and six months in jail if a serious injury or crash results.

*Most current data from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

AMSAF is located 7558 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 1-120, Peoria, Ariz., 85381-6080. The phone number is 888.951.3732 and its email is info@amsaf.org.