Common Pedestrian Accident Hotspots in Arizona Cities
Our Arizona attorneys stand up for pedestrian rights
Arizona’s streets are becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians. Whether you’re walking through downtown Phoenix, heading to class in Tempe or crossing a wide intersection in Mesa, the risks are real and rising. Year after year, Arizona ranks among the worst states in the nation for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Some intersections are notorious for pedestrian crashes. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re often the result of poor road design, high-speed traffic, inadequate lighting, and growing foot traffic in areas built for cars.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common pedestrian accident hotspots in cities across Arizona, explore what makes these areas so hazardous, and break down what you can do if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Why are pedestrian accidents such a big problem in Arizona?
Arizona ranks among the top 10 states for pedestrian fatalities, year after year. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 271 pedestrians were killed in 2023, which is a rate of 3.65 per 100,000 people.
Arizona’s cities have grown fast, but their infrastructure hasn’t always kept pace. Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson have expanded rapidly, but many intersections are still designed for cars, not people. Wide roads, fast speeds, and poor lighting are a dangerous mix for anyone on foot.
Arizona also struggles with high rates of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. Despite the hands-free law, texting behind the wheel is still common. According to state data, alcohol was a factor in more than one-third of all fatal pedestrian crashes.
What makes a location a pedestrian accident hotspot?
Not all intersections are created equal. Some are naturally more dangerous than others and it’s usually not by accident. Common features of high-risk zones include:
- Wide roads with multiple lanes and high speed limits
- Poor or missing crosswalks
- Short signal times that don’t allow enough time to cross
- Poor lighting, especially at night
- Confusing layouts with multiple turn lanes or slip lanes
- Transit stops placed mid-block without nearby crossings
- High foot traffic near schools, shopping centers, or nightlife areas
Some of these intersections have a long history of crashes, yet little has changed. When cities lack the funding or political pressure to improve these spaces, they continue to put pedestrians in harm’s way.
Phoenix pedestrian accident hotspots
Phoenix is Arizona’s largest city, and not surprisingly, it has some of the state’s most dangerous intersections for pedestrians. These locations consistently rank among the worst:
Central Avenue & Thomas Road
Located near hospitals, government buildings, and high-rise housing, this intersection sees a steady flow of pedestrians throughout the day. But multiple lanes, fast-moving traffic, and short crossing times make it perilous. Drivers often fail to yield during turns, especially when signals are poorly timed.
19th Avenue & Camelback Road
This intersection is near a busy light rail stop and shopping plaza. Pedestrians here often face speeding drivers, unclear crosswalks, and limited enforcement. It’s not uncommon for people to cross mid-block, just to avoid walking the long distance to the next legal crossing.
7th Street Corridor (McDowell to Dunlap)
With bars, restaurants, and apartment complexes lining the street, this area sees plenty of foot traffic, especially after dark. Unfortunately, lighting is inconsistent, and many drivers treat it like a thoroughfare. Without frequent crossings, people are forced to jaywalk, putting them in direct conflict with traffic.
Tucson pedestrian accident hotspots
Tucson has made some strides in pedestrian safety, especially through its Complete Streets program. But the challenges are far from over. The most dangerous intersections for pedestrians here include:
South 6th Avenue (22nd Street to Ajo Way)
This corridor blends industrial businesses with residential areas. Many people walk to work or the bus stop, often along stretches with no sidewalks or lights. Speeding is common, and there are few safe crossing points over several long blocks.
Grant Road & Oracle Road
One of Tucson’s busiest intersections, this spot is wide, fast, and confusing for both drivers and pedestrians. Cars turning right or left often fail to see people crossing in time. Despite its crash history, it hasn’t seen the redesign it needs.
University-area hotspots
Speedway Boulevard, Park Avenue, and University Boulevard all see large numbers of students on foot. Rideshare drop-offs, bike lanes, and late-night activity make for a volatile mix. Crashes are frequent, especially on weekends.
Mesa pedestrian accident hotspots
Mesa has seen a surge in pedestrian activity, particularly near light rail stops. But that surge hasn’t always been met with safer streets. Pedestrian accident hotspots here include:
Main Street Corridor
This downtown zone serves as a light rail hub, which brings in walkers at all times of day. However, mid-block crossings are limited, and drivers aren’t always prepared to stop. Pedestrian accidents here often involve people darting across the street to catch a train or bus.
Southern Avenue & Alma School Road
This sprawling intersection is surrounded by retail, schools, and residential neighborhoods. But signal timing, turning lanes, and speeding all contribute to frequent crashes. Local advocates have called for better crosswalk visibility and lower speed limits, but progress has been limited.
Tempe pedestrian accident hotspots
Tempe is home to Arizona State University and has one of the highest rates of foot traffic in the state. That makes pedestrian safety a priority, but also a challenge. Areas to be extra vigilant include:
Mill Avenue near ASU
This area buzzes with students, tourists, and partygoers. At night, the risk spikes. Many pedestrian accidents here involve right turns on red or drivers distracted by the chaos around them.
Broadway Road & Rural Road
This busy intersection connects shopping centers, schools, and parks. Long signal cycles and wide crossings frustrate both drivers and pedestrians. People often take risks just to save time and the consequences can be deadly.
Other high-risk cities: Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler
Outside the big four, other Arizona cities have their own danger zones. These include:
Glendale – Grand Avenue
With odd angles, sharp turns, and limited visibility, Grand Avenue is one of the most crash-prone corridors in the state. Glendale has started adding pedestrian signals, but the scale of change is small compared to the need.
Scottsdale – Old Town
During events and peak tourist seasons, Old Town Scottsdale becomes a pedestrian magnet. Unfortunately, that foot traffic competes with fast-moving vehicles, impatient rideshare drivers, and limited mid-block crossings.
Chandler – Arizona Avenue & Chandler Boulevard
This suburban intersection has wide lanes, heavy traffic, and few protections for walkers. It’s a textbook example of a place that looks safe but isn’t, especially at night or during rush hour.
What should I do if I’m hurt in a pedestrian accident in Arizona?
If you’re hit by a car in Arizona, get medical help right away, document the crash scene, and seek legal help. Don’t try to deal with the insurance companies on your own. They may act friendly, but their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. Browne Law Group knows how to fight back. We’ve helped countless pedestrians throughout Gilbert and Maricopa County stand up to the B.S. and get the full compensation they deserve.
From day one, you’ll have Byron Browne, the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer, on your side. We’ll investigate the crash, gather the evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case to prove the driver was at fault. The best part? You don’t pay us a dime unless we win. That’s our contingency fee promise – because justice shouldn’t come with a price tag.
We offer free consultations and can meet with you at our Gilbert office, at your home, or even in the hospital if needed. If you’re ready to act, we’re here to make sure you’re not pushed around or taken advantage of. Contact us today, and let’s get to work on your case.
“The Browne Law Group does not waste any time guiding you to get the assistance you need. Thank you so much for all of your help and support during the toughest life moments.” - Kelsey G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “Common Pedestrian Accident Hotspots in Arizona Cities.”