PHOENIX — Phoenix police are investigating a head-on car crash in north Phoenix that left a woman dead Monday afternoon.
According to reports, the crash happened near 14th Avenue and Thunderbird Road. Crystal Conover, 41, died on the scene after the vehicle she was driving caught fire, police said.
Investigators believe that Conover had been in a "family altercation" before the crash. She was driving east in the westbound lanes of Thunderbird Road and collided with a truck.
Police said that Conover was "involved in at least one other collision" before the fatal crash.
The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
It's unknown if impairment played a role in the crash.
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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.
