PHOENIX — A driver has died after they crashed their vehicle on an Interstate 17 exit ramp in Phoenix, the Department of Public Safety confirmed.
The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday on the Deer Valley Road off-ramp.
According to early reports, the driver failed to navigate the curve while speeding and struck a light pole nearby. The vehicle caught fire after coming to a stop, DPS said.
First responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene of the crash. Their identity hasn't been released.
No one else was hurt in the crash.
>> For real-time traffic conditions, click here.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
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.
