Did you know that 34% of Arizona accidents happen in Phoenix? That means you should be careful when cruising through Phoenix roads. While you can’t control the way other drivers behave on the road, you can control your own driving. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, here are some simple tips to help you drive safely in Phoenix.

Understand the Risks of Summer Heat

In Phoenix, temperatures can get very high, and with the heat comes a number of potential dangers for drivers. Some problems drivers experience at such high temperatures include overheating engines and blown-out tires. Also, since asphalt roads expand in hot weather, it can cause problems like cracks and potholes, which can lead to accidents.

Be Patient

Driving in Phoenix can test your patience. The roads are always busy, and there are poor drivers everywhere. That means if you drive emotionally, you will likely act impulsively and make the wrong decisions. As such, you should always keep your emotions in check when behind the wheel. 

If traffic is bad, you have to accept that it will take you more time to reach your destination, and there is nothing else you can do to get there faster. Staying calm puts you in a better position to react to what is happening around you.

Know Where the Danger Spots Are

Phoenix is a car-dependent city, meaning most people use cars to travel from one place to another. This results in traffic congestion and dangerous intersections. The following is a list of some of the most dangerous roads that you should avoid during peak hours or whenever possible:

• Bell Road: Bell Road is a major road that has many intersections and lots of traffic. Thus, it’s not a surprise that it’s one of the most dangerous roads in Phoenix.
• Indian School Road: Indian School Road is one of the widest roads in Maricopa County. It has two to three lanes in each direction. More lanes mean more vehicles on the road, increasing the chances of accidents.
• Dunlap Avenue and 35th Avenue: This intersection has nearly 70,500 vehicles passing through it each weekday, making it one of the busiest intersections in Maricopa County. Hundreds of accidents occur every year in this intersection.
• I-10: I-10 is an interstate that runs from Florida to California and cuts through more than 390 miles of Arizona. It is one of the busiest highways in the state, especially in the Phoenix and Tucson corridor, where heavy commuter traffic, large commercial trucks, and out-of-state tourists make driving conditions challenging. I-10 is also dangerous because the road doesn’t have sufficient guard rails, which increases the chances of very serious rollover accidents.
• Peoria Avenue: Like all other major roads in Phoenix, Peoria Avenue has traffic jams and a lot of careless drivers. So, you should be extra careful when driving along this road.

Learn Arizona Traffic Laws

You should learn Arizona’s traffic laws to avoid violations, fines, and potential accidents. Here are some of the most commonly broken traffic rules in the state:

• Photo Enforcement: Many intersections have red-light cameras. Running a red light is illegal and can result in fines and points on your license if you are caught.
• Cell Phone Use: It’s illegal to text while driving in Arizona. And while you’re allowed to use hands-free devices, it is advisable to err on the safe side and avoid them as well.
• Move Over Law: When approaching an emergency vehicle that has stopped on the side of the road, you should move over a lane or slow down considerably.

Watch Out for Monsoon Season

Phoenix’s monsoon season brings additional hazards for drivers. Occurring mainly between June and September, monsoon storms are accompanied by rain, lightning, and strong winds. During this period, visibility is low, and the roads may be very slippery because of flash flooding. 

It is important to be aware of the weather conditions and avoid driving when the weather is bad. If you are caught in a storm, you should:

• Slow Down: During heavy rain, you are likely to hydroplane, so reduce your speed.
• Avoid flooded areas: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Even a few inches of water can make you lose control of your vehicle.
• Use headlights: Using headlights improves your vision, but it is recommended that you do not use high beams, as they may reflect on the rain and affect visibility.

Plan for Emergency

Emergencies can still happen even if you’re very careful on the road. So, it’s always good to stay prepared. There are some things that you should always have in your car when you are driving. 

These include water, snacks, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a spare tire with the necessary tools. A portable phone charger is also useful, especially when your phone goes off and you need to make an emergency call. You should also have contacts for a good Phoenix roadside assistance service, as they can come in handy in the event of a breakdown.

Drive Defensively

When you are behind the wheel, you are only in control of your actions. You can’t control the road conditions and the actions of other drivers. For instance, you never know when you will be in the wrong place at the wrong time, behind a reckless driver who is having a bad day. 

You don’t necessarily need to drive fearfully, but you do need to be as defensive as possible. The following are some of the tips for driving defensively and minimizing the chances of an accident:

• Maintain a safe following distance. This gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down.
• Always signal your intentions to other drivers so as not to confuse them.
• Do not use your phone, eat, or adjust the radio while driving, as it can divert attention from the road
• Slow down and stick to the appropriate speed limits to avoid speed-related accidents

Safe Driving in Phoenix

Driving in Phoenix is fun and exciting, thanks to the good roads and scenic landscapes. However, you should always be careful to reduce your chances of being in an accident. Stay alert, follow traffic laws, and always be prepared for changing road conditions. 

Remember, should the unthinkable happen and you are involved in an accident, you can always seek the help of an experienced attorney. A car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries, car repairs, and other damages incurred in the accident.