Arizona has so far remained steadfastly opposed to statewide legislation restricting the use of handheld devices by drivers. Much like the stance taken in Texas, state legislators in Arizona have focused on allowing local municipalities to pass whatever local ordinances they feel best suit the needs of their citizens. But at least one state legislator feels that is not enough and has recently made statements that he will soon introduce legislation for a statewide ban on distracted driving.

Arizona State Senator-Elect Steve Farley said he was first to propose legislation aimed at texting and driving in 2007. Last week Farley he told local media he will re-introduce similar legislation next year which he will vehemently pursue in order to put Arizona on a par with other states which already passed similar legislation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distracted driving is now the leading cause of fatal vehicle collisions in the United States. The NHTSA said distracted driving is now more dangerous than drink and driving, and suggested that the federal government pass a nationwide ban on the activity in an effort to promote public safety. the U.S. Congress, already contentiously debating the nation’s finances passed the buck on legislation to state legislators who have gradually undertaken to promote public safety in their jurisdiction.

In states where such laws exist drivers who violate the law face fines, fees and points added to their license, not to mention a statistically significant increased risk of being involved in a fatal collision as a result of their distracted driving behavior.

Since 2006 no one has died on Arizona roadways as a result of a driver failing to move their vehicle over. The 60 years previous to that saw 60 people lose their lives because drivers failed to yield for them while they were worker on the roadside.

Police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, construction workers; the list of who might be required to work along the side of a roadway is fairly lengthy, but they all have one thing in common: they are there to help. It would seem common courtesy for drivers to slow their vehicles as they approached, allowing for a large safe area between them and the person or persons working on the road side.

In Arizona failure to “Move Over” will result in a hefty fine and points being added to your license. More significantly, if you don’t move your vehicle over you run the risk of striking and possibly killing someone who is there trying to help. If that were the case you could conceivably be charge with vehicular manslaughter.

Just about every week on YouTube a new video is posted from a dashcam in some police officer’s vehicle showing a distracted driver (drunk, sleepy, not paying attention) side-swiping a vehicle, sometimes with tragic results. In Arizona this type of behavior simply is not tolerated.

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With all these drivers hitting the road during the Thanksgiving holiday you might expect the number of serious traffic collisions to greatly increase, but so far (and not all the numbers are in yet) that has not been the case.

In fact, across the nation, this past Thanksgiving was much safer than previous years. There was a serious traffic pile-up in Texas, but otherwise, the holiday was calm.

It certainly didn’t hurt that the holiday weather was much more mild than it has been in years for nearly the entire country. Poor weather, especially around the holidays, always leads to more crashes, and more injuries. This year, the low gas prices caused more people to drive, and since the weather was mild the drives they took were mostly incident free.

In fact, according to the AAA of Arizona, most drivers settled for shorter trips this year, perhaps to a nearby relative or friend’s house, as opposed to their usual trip out of state or even across state. No doubt these limited duration trips also had a positive impact on the collision rate as drivers spent far less time on the roads thereby decreasing their chance of having a mishap.

There certainly is no substitute for common sense when it comes to defensive driving, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: planning shorter trips and keeping distraction down to a bare minimum all added up to making Thanksgiving 2012 a much safer holiday for everyone.

High winds mean big trouble for drivers, especially unexpected wind gusts which can not only push a vehicle off the road but actually flip an 18-wheeler or a small car. Wind gusts drive debris, lifting tons of sand into the air which can make it difficult if not impossible for the driver to see clearly. These wind storms drive powerful dust storms which regularly inundate cities and towns throughout the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation regularly issue warnings to drivers to avoid being out on the roads during these dust storms. Not only because the high winds are dangerous but also because visibility is limited and the danger of flying debris is very great. The ADOT suggests drivers stay off the road when high winds are expected. If that is not possible they recommend drivers use extreme caution and be prepared to pull off the side of the road if visibility becomes too difficult.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will advise drivers when high winds are expected and works in conjunction with ADOT to close roads if driving becomes too dangerous. Drivers are advised to heed these warnings or risk their own personal safety. In the case of driving bans, anyone who violates a road closure or order to stay off the road risks a citation and possible suspension of their driving privileges.

The best suggestion is to stay off the roads when high winds are expected. It is just not worth the risk.

Northern Arizona is at a much higher elevation and when winter comes around the dry hot region becomes wet and slick and frozen. This produces dangerous driving conditions and catches some motorists unprepared.

Perhaps nobody knows this better than folks who work for the Arizona Department of Transportation. This is evident in the fact that ADOT has already released their winter advisory warnings to motorists who might be traveling in the northern portions of the state. Among their suggestions is always keeping at least 3/4 of a tank of fuel in the car. This is both so drivers don’t have to worry about running out of gas if they get caught in traffic and so their car has a little added weight to improve traction.

For cars with rear-wheel drive adding a little extra weight in the rear of the vehicle can make all the difference on slick roads. That extra weight on the axle improves traction, no doubt about it. In some northern states, like Michigan and Wisconsin, drivers will put sandbags or even chopped firewood in their trunk as a way of increasing the weight in the rear of their car. Conventional wisdom, and experience, tells them that the extra weight will help them from getting stuck or slipping and sliding off the road when the weather turns bad.

We suppose you could accomplish the same thing by putting your friends in the backseat of your car every time you go driving somewhere, but then you’d have to worry about stopping for restroom breaks, arguing over the radio stations or aving to put up with inane conversation. instead, use an inanimate object and make your vehicle safer and quieter.

Such was the case when an Arizona woman intentionally ran over her husband because he did not vote in the most recent presidential election.

Police say the woman, Holly Solomon, driving her SUV, first chased her husband around a parking lot. The husband, Daniel Solomon, attempted to take shelter behind a light pole, but his wife found a way to strike him with her vehicle and run him over. The husband was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries and is listed in critical condition.

Holly Solomon, who is pregnant with her husband’s child, is now facing charges of aggravated assault and reckless driving. Police said in published reports she reported that she was only trying to scare her husband but accidentally put her foot on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal and ran him over. Paramedics on the scene reported the man was actually pinned beneath the SUV.

As if it might need to be said, a vehicle is not a toy. It is not for playing games or “scaring” people. It is a mode of transport intended to be safe and keep and the occupants and everyone else, secure. In this instance, if she had killed her husband, not only would she have lost the father of her child and her husband, but would also likely be facing charges of vehicular homicide.

Any time a driver choose to behave as if their 3-thousand-pound pile of steel, glass and plastic (also known as an automobile) is actually a toy, bad things happen. In many of those cases someone gets hurt, and often, the driver winds up with a citation and our losing their driving privileges.

Operating while intoxicated is illegal in all 50 states and police frown on anyone who feels the need to violate that law. Fortunately for police (and anyone who values their safety on the roads) finding drunk drivers is sometimes too easy. If they place themselves in areas where people are likely to be drinking and watch for vehicles driving unsafely, or simply perform a DUI checkpoint, chances are they will catch at least one drunk driver. And taking just one drunk driver off the road might be enough to save a life.

There has been much debated recently about whether or not distracted driving is worse than driving under the influence of alcohol, but the fact is neither of these things is worth attempting if you care at all about the value of human life. Drunk driving is no less dangerous than it has ever been, regardless of whether or not distracted driving is actually worse.

For the two drivers busted for drunk driving after the Arizona Cardinals-Green Bay Packers game surely getting arrested was a total bummer. Points will be added to their license; they might spend time in jail or have their driving privileges suspended, plus pay a hefty fine. But if they hadn’t been stopped by police they might have been involved in a vehicle collision and hurt or killed someone, including themselves or the people riding with them.

About 70,000 people are expected to attend the Pac-12 showdown between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Oregon Ducks at Sun Devil Stadium on Thursday and state officials are warning drivers to leave early and plan for delays. In fact, they are advising drivers to use alternate routes when possible and allow plenty of time to get where they are going.

They are so concerned about the traffic situation that the Arizona Department of Transportation is going as far as advising some visitors to the area to consider using light rail instead of trying to drive into the city of Tempe. If fans do decide to drive, however, the ADOT is suggesting they leave early–plenty early enough to get to the city in time for the game. They are also saying that even if drivers leave early they are still likely to encounter delays.

the ADOT is also suggesting changes for regular commuters who usually travel eastbound on Loop 202 in the afternoon and evening. According to the ADOT these local drivers should consider an alternate route to the east Valley, such as eastbound I-10 to US 60, or northbound State Route 51 to the eastbound Loop 101. If local drivers can avoid staying off the roads altogether, they said, that is even better.

For many drivers, especially those heading to our from work, they might not have a choice about which roads they take or what time of day they drive. If that’s the case then these drivers too should think seriously about leaving early and being certain they have a full tank of gas so they can handle a little bit (maybe a lot) longer commute.

Three passengers in one of the vehicles were injured and another died as a results of her injuries. That driver was arrested on charges of of Driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment.

Drag racing is not uncommon in Arizona or around the country. In fact any time teenagers and cars mix, the urge to speed and drive recklessly, seems to be overwhelming for some drivers. They speed with a vengeance and don’t hesitate to risk their life or the lives of anyone riding with them. Often drunks or alcohol are involved but not always. Sometimes it is nothing but the thrill of the moment that urges them to excess, often with tragic results.

Police, parents and traffic safety experts have been fighting an uphill battle when it comes to teenagers and reckless driving. Unfortunately, despite their efforts teenagers continue to demonstrate that when it comes to driving they still have a great deal to learn about safety.

It is not unusual for drivers to see an increase in the number of construction sites popping on Arizona roadways during the months between August and whenever winter finally decides to arrive. The cool, dry weather is the perfect time for construction crews to get some serious work done on the infrastructure; roads need new paving, lanes widened, bridges repaired, that sort of thing.

All this construction is good for drivers in the long run, but can causes delays while it is happening. State law requires drivers to slow down when workers are present. Traffic congestion caused by this ‘slowing’ means it will likely take you longer to get where you are going, so be prepared to slow down or stop and find an alternate route if at all possible. Also, make certain you have plenty of fuel in your tank before you set off so you don’t find yourself running low while sitting in traffic.

If you have questions about traffic construction, or alternate routes, you can visit the Arizona Department of Transportation web site for a listing of state highway projects; what’s happening, where and what alternate route they might suggest. In the meantime, slow down and be aware that construction is prevalent this time of year. There is no reason for drivers to speed when workers (or any sort of pedestrian) is present on the road. It only takes an instant for an accident to happen, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Arizona takes these steps to ensure that drivers of a certain age have the physical ability to safely operate their vehicle on state roads. It is a fact that as we age our bodies simply do not function the same way they did when we were younger. Our vision can decline, our hearing can decline and even our ability to react and respond quickly can all face decline as we age. This has led some safety experts to recommend that senior drivers be tested more often to ensure that they meet minimum safety requirements for operating a motor vehicle.

Proponents of senior living say these requirements are not needed because senior drivers are not the most dangerous group on the roads today. In fact, they say, considering they represent a small percentage of drivers on the road they account for an even smaller percentage of serious accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration still ranks teenage and first-time drivers as the group most at risk of being involved in a fatal vehicle collision. And vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers.

However, regardless of statistics, Arizona has taken its own stance when it comes to driving privileges for seniors:

ARIZONA: Licenses expire on the 65th birthday, and until then drivers only need new photos every 12 years — making Arizona unique in how long a license can last. Starting at 65, drivers must renew every five years, with a vision test each time. At age 70, renewal can no longer be done by mail.

In 1995, Arizona started issuing licenses that were good until age 60. Legislation in 1999 expanded the expiration date to age 65. In an email, the Arizona Department of Transportation said the change reflected “a more realistic view of a capable driving age,” that also saved money on renewals.

While you are making sure that your license hasn’t expired, it may be wise to make sure that your car insurance hasn’t expired either! Insurance companies are supposed to ask you if you would like to renew your current policy, and in some circumstances, they will renew your plan at a higher rate without you even noticing! Make sure this hasn’t happened to you. Be certain you are paying the best rate on your auto insurance.

Each state has its own rules on driver license expiration and renewal.  Taking a defensive driving course is a good way to learn about your state’s rules and to learn defensive driving facts and techniques for all ages.

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More than eight inches of rain fell in some parts of the state within hours. This is more rainfall than the state might receive during an average year. This type of heavy rain in an area which is unused to such a deluge produces some unexpected dangers. Flooded roads are only one potential problem caused by heavy rain. In the case of 264 East in Arizona the problem was caused by heavy rainfall but not in the way you might expect.

A severe thunderstorm a day earlier had sent water over a bluff and onto a portion of the highway that runs along a cliff, washing out about six feet of dirt beneath the road. Transportation crews responded with dirt and millings to fill the ground and build up the shoulder.

Arizona Department of Transportation has erected some temporary repairs so drivers can use the roadway. Drivers had been facing significant detours during the closure of the highway, which runs through the Navajo and Hopi reservations to New Mexico. Permanent repairs are expected to begin later this week.

You might think that flooded roadways would be their own caution sign, prompting motorists to find some other way to their destination. Unfortunately, not only will some drivers ignore the flooded roadway, they will also often drive around temporary barricades erected by police to keep them from driving on those streets.

At issue is not simply the safety of the motorist but also the costs of rescuing them if they become stuck these cost can fluctuate, but in most cases cost somewhere between $2,000 to $50,000 for a total rescue of vehicle plus occupants. That means, just because somebody decides not to use common sense and defy a police ordered barricade, the police and fire and rescue units must incur the costs to rescue them from their own stupidity.

Arizona thinks that’s a bad idea, and that’s why their law states:

“A driver of a vehicle who drives the vehicle on a public street or highway that is temporarily covered by a rise in water level, including groundwater or overflow of water, and that is barricaded because of flooding is liable for the expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove from the public street or highway the driver or any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway or the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway, or both.”

Everyone has been there (well most of us anyway.) The excitement building to a crescendo in the weeks or months leading up to our birthday (15 yrs and six months for an Arizona learner’s permit) can be almost overwhelming. We study the driver’s manual, memorize street signs and road rules; do everything in our power to be as ready humanly possible so we can pass the test in one go.

But where do we go from there? How do we get the process started? Often first time drivers, while busily learning how to drive and preparing for the test have forgotten to answer those simple questions. Fortunately, ADOT has those answers, plus a whole list of the identifying documents you will also need (bet you didn’t even think about need identifying documents, did you?)

You must visit an MVD office to complete an application, have a photo taken and pass a vision screening. Begin your application online. If you need to print one, see Driver License/Identification Card Application.

If you are currently licensed in another state, you must bring in your out-of-state driver license and one other form of identification, take the vision test, and pay the appropriate fee. A written test will not be required.

If you are between the ages of 16 (15 and 6 months for an Instruction Permit) and 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the legal guardian section on the driver license application. The legal guardian’s identification may serve as one form of identification, but you will still need two additional documents, such as an original birth certificate and Social Security card. You will be subject to the written, vision and road skills test as well as the appropriate application fee.

See Identification Requirements for a listing of acceptable proof of identification. One proof must be listed under Primary.

With the recent long, hot, dry summer, Arizona deserts are likely to produce sudden strong wind storms especially as the weather begins the cool down for the coming autumn. There is little that can be done to limit the severity of these storms, but much that can be done to warn drivers to be aware of their ferocity.

These dust storms tend to become more common in Spring and late summer. They create near zero-visibility levels, especially for drivers caught unaware. Headlights do not do enough to create a safe driving environment and anyone not prepared for a dust storm can quickly find themselves lost or on a collision course for something they would have avoided had they been able to see.

As a result of these storms the Arizona Department of Transportation has issued the following safet tips for anyone driving in Arizona or just passing through:

Avoid driving into or through a dust storm

Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway —do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down

Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway

Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.

Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers

Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake

Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass

Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds

A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability is still the number one factor to prevent crashes.

Arizona is already one of the most densely populated states (in urban areas) and sees more than its fair share of newcomers each year. New homes continue to spring up, despite a sluggish housing market and depressed economy, and all of these factors is putting pressure on police and traffic safety experts to find solutions which will reverse this new trend.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the increase in traffic fatalities the state saw in 2011 was the first such increase in five years. Almost 900 people died on Arizona roads last year in a variety of different types of crashes, almost all of which could have been prevented through safe driving habits.

The “2011 Crash Facts” report shows 825 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on highways and local roads in the state last year, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Compared to the 759 fatalities in 2010, last year’s figure marks an 8.7 percent increase in motor vehicle crash deaths….In 2011, 132 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed in 130 fatal motorcycle crashes compared to 85 such deaths in 2010, an increase of 55 percent.