TEMPE, Ariz. — A deputy has been hospitalized after being involved in a vehicle wreck with a semi-truck in Tempe early Wednesday morning, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said.
Tempe investigators found that the deputy was traveling through the intersection of Baseline and Rural roads when they were t-boned by the truck.
The deputy was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the crash near Rural and Baseline roads, the office said. The semi-truck driver was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The intersection has been blocked off as authorities investigate the scene. Law enforcement has yet to release an estimated time for reopening the intersection.
The Tempe Police Department has taken over the investigation of the crash.
This is a developing story. Tune in to 12News for the latest information.
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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.