ARIZONA, USA β A motorcycle driver is dead after a crash involving a semi-truck on State Route 85 Friday afternoon.
The crash occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on SR-85 and Southern Avenue, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.
Authorities say traffic is being diverted to Broadway Road at this time.
SR-85 in the area is now closed in both directions. There's no estimated time to reopen the highway, according to Arizona DOT.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to 12News for further updates.
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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.
"Thereβs always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Donβt 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 ADOTβs Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOTβs Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.