FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Officials are investigating a double fatality reported Thursday morning east of Flagstaff on Interstate 40.
A crash involving two tractor trailers was reported at about 3 a.m. near the eastbound off-ramp to Parks.
One of the commercial vehicles was stopped at at a fork in the roadway and the driver had exited to inspect the tires. Another commercial vehicle then struck the stopped vehicle, causing significant damage.
The driver and co-driver of the stopped vehicle died at the scene, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The driver and co-driver of the other vehicle were not injured.
Identities of the deceased have not been disclosed.
UP TO SPEED
Deaths on Arizona roads
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
ADOT offers driving tips on its website 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.
