What 2025 Taught Us About Driving in Phoenix

If you’ve lived in Phoenix for more than a week, you know our roads are a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, we have some of the most beautiful, wide-open mountain views in the country. On the other, we have the rush-hour crush at 5:00 PM on a Friday. There’s vulnerabilities for accidents everywhere in between, and you deserve to learn how to look for them.

As we look toward 2026, recent data from ADOT and the City of Phoenix shows that while our "Vision Zero" safety goals are making progress, 2025 was a wake-up call for certain types of accidents.

The accidents below are uniquely common to Phoenix. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s not just you. Data shows that Phoenix is prone to certain unique roadway accidents. These are the situations to watch for and avoid in 2026.

The "Gridiron" Gamble: Intersection T-Bones

Phoenix is famous for its massive grid system. While it makes navigation a breeze, those long, straight stretches of 7th Avenue or Indian School Road often lead to a dangerous habit: speeding up for yellow lights. In 2025, side-impact (or "T-bone") collisions remained the most common multi-vehicle accident at major intersections. These aren't just fender benders; because side panels offer less protection than a car’s front or rear, the injuries can be much more severe.

The 2026 Tip: A pause is your best friend. It might sound too simple, but it’s the truth. When your light turns green, wait just one second and glance both ways. It only takes one person trying to beat a red light at 50 mph to change your life.

The "Ghost" Pedestrian Trend

Data from the past year highlighted a tragic spike in pedestrian accidents occurring away from crosswalks, particularly on our wide arterial roads. Phoenix blocks are notoriously long, and as people try to quickly flee the heat of a 110-degree summer day, they might try to cross mid-block where they aren't expected.

The 2026 Tip: Don’t just watch the car in front of you. Scan the "shoulders" of the road. On major avenues like McDowell or Camelback, treat every shadow near the curb as a potential pedestrian.

The Fast Lane Fallacy on the 101 and 202

Our freeway system—the Loops 101, 202, and the I-10—is designed for volume, but 2025 saw a rise in high-speed "chain reaction" crashes. With more people moving to the Valley, our freeways are more crowded than ever, but speeds haven't slowed down.

The 2026 Tip: Tailgating at 75 mph gives you zero room for error. If the car three vehicles ahead hits a piece of road debris or a ladder (a common Phoenix hazard!), you need that "three-second gap" to avoid becoming part of a multi-car pileup.

The Midnight Wrong-Way Risk

It’s a headline we see far too often in local news: a wrong-way driver on a freeway off-ramp. These almost exclusively happen between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM. The 2025 data shows that despite new thermal camera technology installed by the state, these catastrophic head-on collisions still occur, often involving impaired drivers.

The 2026 Tip: If you’re driving late at night, stay in the right or middle lanes. Wrong-way drivers usually think they are in the "slow lane" (their right), which is actually your "fast lane" (your left).

The Move-Over Blind Spot

Finally, a trend that gained a lot of attention in late 2025 was the danger to roadside workers and emergency responders. Phoenix has a lot of "stalled vehicle" incidents due to the extreme heat (blown tires and overheated engines). Accidents involving drivers hitting people on the shoulder are on the rise.

The 2026 Tip: Arizona’s Move Over Law isn't just a suggestion; it’s a lifesaver. If you see flashing lights—whether it’s a police car, a tow truck, or even just a hazard-lit sedan—move over one lane. If you can't move over, slow down significantly.

Your Ally on the Arizona Road

No matter how defensively you drive, you can't always control the actions of others. If you do find yourself involved in a crash, you shouldn't have to navigate the complex legal aftermath alone. At Desert Winds Law, we specialize in helping Phoenix drivers pick up the pieces and get the justice they deserve.

We do things differently here. When you reach out to us, you aren't just another case number passed off to a file clerk. You get direct access to experienced Attorney Neil Udulutch. Neil is committed to providing personalized, straightforward legal guidance to every client, ensuring your voice is heard and your recovery is prioritized.

Whether you have a quick question about a minor collision or need a dedicated advocate for a serious case, Desert Winds Law is here for you. Get in touch with Neil today by calling or texting 480-790-9441 or filling out our online form. We’ll respond in a day or less.

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Drive safe in 2026, Phoenix. But if the road gets bumpy, know that we’ve got your back.