The late summer season brings long days, warm evenings, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s the perfect time for Arizona residents to walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors in their communities. From evening strolls in Phoenix to college students walking across campus in Tucson or families enjoying events in Mesa and Scottsdale, pedestrian activity peaks during these months.
However, as foot traffic increases, so does the risk of accidents—especially when drivers aren’t paying attention. Distracted driving remains a growing concern in Arizona and often leads to devastating consequences for pedestrians.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to seek justice.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving in Arizona
Distracted driving occurs when a motorist’s attention is pulled away from the road by other tasks. These distractions are typically classified into three main types:
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at your phone, checking a GPS app, or turning to talk to a passenger.
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio.
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving, such as daydreaming, talking on the phone, or engaging in a deep conversation.
One of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving is texting because it combines all three types. According to safety experts, if a driver looks down at their phone to type a message, they can travel the length of a football field in just a few seconds—without fully focusing on the road.
For pedestrians in busy Arizona cities, this lack of attention can mean drivers fail to notice crosswalks, stoplights, school zones, or people walking alongside the road. The results are often catastrophic.
Arizona’s Hands-Free Law
Arizona took a strong stance against distracted driving by enacting a statewide hands-free law in 2019. Under this law:
- Drivers cannot hold or support a phone while driving.
- Hands-free devices, such as Bluetooth, may be used.
- First-time violators may face fines starting at $75, while repeat offenders can face penalties up to $250.
Importantly, if a distracted driver causes a pedestrian accident, they may also face additional criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and long-term consequences.
How Distracted Driving Contributes to Pedestrian Injuries in Arizona
Late summer in Arizona presents unique risks for pedestrians:
- Longer Days, More Foot Traffic
- Back-to-School Season
- Students walking near schools and campuses increase pedestrian activity.
- Distracted drivers in school zones pose a serious danger.
- Tourism & Seasonal Events
- Late summer events, such as concerts, farmers’ markets, and sports games, draw large crowds.
- Tourists unfamiliar with Arizona roads combined with distracted local drivers can be a hazardous mix.
- Evening Heat Relief
- Many people avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day, choosing dusk or nighttime instead.
- Poor visibility combined with distracted driving increases the likelihood of pedestrian collisions.
What Is Distracted Driving?
The NHTSA defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from driving. Distractions fall into three main categories:
- Visual – Taking your eyes off the road (looking at a phone, billboard, or passenger).
- Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel (texting, eating, adjusting the radio).
- Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving (daydreaming, talking, or emotional distraction).
Why Texting Is the Worst Offender
Texting combines all three types of distraction. In just 5 seconds, a driver traveling 55 mph covers the length of a football field. That’s more than enough distance to miss a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk in Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson.
Don’t Feel Alone
Late summer should be a time for community, family, and outdoor fun—not tragedy. Unfortunately, distracted driving continues to cause pedestrian accidents across Arizona. From back-to-school traffic to evening strolls, pedestrians face serious risks when drivers take their eyes, hands, or minds off the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, remember—you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer near me can fight for your rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
📞 Contact Orange Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward justice.
