PHOENIX — Two Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and one woman have been injured after a wrong-way crash early Thursday morning, the department said.
The woman, whose identity has yet to be released, entered State Route 51 at Shea Boulevard going southbound in the northbound lanes, DPS said. She traveled five miles before the two troopers intentionally collided into her near the Glendale Avenue exit.
The 82-year-old woman was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries while the two troopers transported themselves to the hospital with minor injuries.
The woman was confused and impairment has been ruled out, troopers said.
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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.
"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.