A study released yesterday reveals Arizona has the eighth highest rate of fatal crashes among young drivers in the U.S. InMaricopa has reported several such crashes in western Pinal County in recent years, but just how does Maricopa compare to the national data? 

Arizona sees 55.4 fatal crashes per 100,000 young (defined as ages 15 to 20), licensed drivers — 39% above the national average — according to the study by the Florida-based Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. 

Arizona has approximately 254,764 such drivers. 

The new study, which analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, looked at Arizona at large. An InMaricopa analysis of the national 2009 through 2023 data showed 12.3% of all fatal crashes in the state involved young, licensed drivers. The national average is 12.9%. 

Through the same 15-year period, 112 of 875 (12.8%) fatal crashes in Pinal County involved young drivers. In Maricopa, the No. 2 Pinal County city for road fatalities, that number was just 3 of 27 (11.1%). 

Maricopa averages 1.8 fatal crashes each year. None of this data accounts for crashes on nearby State Route 347, which are extremely common and often deadly. 

InMaricopa has reported several fatal crashes involving young drivers. Several likely aren’t counted in Maricopa datasets because they happened just outside of city limits or after 2023, the most recent year for which data has been released. 

For example, last year, an 18-year-old driver crashed into a tree near Maricopa High School, killing his 13-year-old passenger. DUI and speed were likely factors at the time of the crash. In 2019, an overnight crash on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway killed a man just days before his 19th birthday.  

While young drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic crash than their elder counterparts, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the rates have been trending down nationally in recent decades. 

Deaths of young drivers nationally fell about 45%, compared to an 11% increase in fatalities for drivers over 65, according to a 2023 study by the GHSA.  

In Arizona, rates for fatal crashes among drivers under age 21 fell 44%, compared to a lesser 27% drop in drivers over 65 years old. 

The NHTSA has publicized a list of talking points for parents to teach their children about safe habits behind the wheel. Here are a few things that can be done to maximize safety while minimizing the chance of a crash becoming fatal: 

• Don’t drive impaired. 

• Buckle up and make sure your passengers do, too. 

• Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on the task of driving. 

• Follow the posted speed limit. 

• Limit passengers. 

“This study highlights that Arizona has the eighth highest fatal crash rates among young drivers. These accidents create a chain reaction of hardships that extend far beyond the crash site,” said a spokesperson for Anidjar & Levine. “To reduce these tragedies, states need stricter traffic law enforcement, improved driver education programs, graduated licensing systems and stronger public awareness campaigns.”