PHOENIX — The death of a 4-year-old boy who was reportedly riding unrestrained in a car when it collided with a tree in December has resulted in manslaughter charges being submitted against a man and woman involved in the crash.
The Phoenix Police Department recently submitted the charges to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
The identity of the man, who was driving the Corvette at the time of the crash, and the woman, who was reportedly ridding in the car with the unrestrained boy on her lap, have yet to be released.
The man and woman sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash, police said. The child was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and was later pronounced dead.
The Corvette was traveling southbound on 67th Avenue when it left the roadway and collided with a tree, investigators said. Detectives believe speed was a factor in the collision.
This is a developing story. Tune in to 12 News for the latest information.
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
- 2011: 825 deaths
- 2012: 821 deaths
- 2013: 844 deaths
- 2014: 774 deaths
- 2015: 895 deaths
- 2016: 952 deaths
- 2017: 1,000 deaths
- 2018: 1,010 deaths
- 2019: 982 deaths
- 2020: 1,057 deaths
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
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