SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A wrong-way driver was seriously injured in a crash on Loop 202 early Friday morning, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said.
Troopers' initial reports of the driver said they were driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Loop 202 near the Scottsdale Road on-ramp, DPS said. The crash closed two lanes and the nearby on-ramp and caused major traffic delays for morning commuters. The roadway has since reopened.
No information was released on the identity of the driver or whether impairment was involved.
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.