Drunk driving collisions are some of the most devastating, both because of the physical harm they cause and the frustration of being harmed because of a driver’s disregard for the safety of others. Being aware of the most dangerous intersections for drunk driving accidents in Scottsdale can help drivers remain more cautious on the road, driving defensively to potentially limit the risk of an accident.
Drunk Driving Arrests and Accidents in Scottsdale
The Scottsdale Police Department reported 1,071 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) in 2025. Drivers who operate under the influence are more likely to be involved in a crash that leads to injuries and fatalities.
A recent report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) stated that there were 226 alcohol-related accidents in Scottsdale, which led to six fatalities and 128 injuries. Alcohol-related crashes were responsible for 40% of fatalities in the city.
Dangerous Intersections in Scottsdale
A report by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) outlined the intersections with the highest crash risks based on data from 2017 to 2022. While this doesn’t necessarily make these intersections dangerous for people, the report does indicate a higher risk in those areas for accidents. Vehicle collisions happen because of many factors, and impaired drivers can cause collisions wherever they drive.
The report included three intersections in Scottsdale:
- Camelback Road and Goldwater BoulevardThis intersection saw 113 crashes from 2017 to 2022, according to MAG. The Camelback Road and Goldwater Boulevard intersection is located between Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and Waterfront. This area sees congestion from downtown traffic, pedestrians, and tourism. While this intersection did not have the highest frequency or severity of crashes, the costs of the accidents were much higher.
- Hayden Road and Thomas RoadThe Hayden Road and Thomas Road intersection is located in Woodland Springs, not far from Highway 101. There were 139 accidents at this intersection, and it had the highest crash severity score out of all three intersections, as well as having the highest frequency of crashes. This area sees significant and fast-moving commuter traffic on its multiple lanes.
- 64th Street and McDowell RoadThis intersection is located outside of La Oua Plaza, connecting denser neighborhoods and businesses to mixed-use land sitting between downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. There were 116 accidents at this intersection from 2017 to 2022. The 64th and McDowell intersection is expected to only get busier as growth in the area continues.
Dangerous Intersections for Drunk Driving
Arizona data doesn’t currently outline the specific roads where alcohol-related accidents occur. Instead, it lists the types of roads where drunk driving accidents occurred, and the manner of the collision. These statistics can help drivers understand where risks are higher and how drunk driving accidents can occur at intersections like those in Scottsdale.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that 82.77% of alcohol-related crashes in Arizona occurred on urban roads, while 17.23% occurred on rural roads in 2024. Rural crashes were more disproportionately likely to be fatal, however, as alcohol related crashes made up 33.01% of rural fatal alcohol crashes.
Rear-end accidents made up 38.39% of all alcohol-related crashes, while left turns made up 10.74% of alcohol-related crashes. Both of these types of crashes are common at intersections.
FAQs
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Scottsdale?
The most dangerous intersections in Scottsdale, according to one report, were the intersection of Camelback Road and Goldwater Boulevard, the intersection of Hayden Road and Thomas Road, and the intersection of 64th Street and McDowell Road. The crash risk of each intersection is based on crash frequency, the severity of its crashes, and the cost of the crashes that occurred.
What Is the Deadliest Road in Scottsdale for Accidents?
One of the most dangerous stretches of road, based on one study, was McDowell Road from near the city center of Phoenix to North 24th Street, leading into Scottsdale. The road at 64th Street is also very hazardous. In this study, it was reported that 20% of fatal accidents in the state were due to alcohol impairment.
What Is the #1 City for Drunk Driving Fatal Car Accidents in Arizona?
As of 2024, the city with the highest number of fatal alcohol-related accidents in Arizona was Phoenix. Ninety-five people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in the city, and 822 were injured, according to ADOT. Phoenix is the biggest city in the state, with over three times the population of the second-most populated city, so the greater number of accidents is unsurprising. When looking at top U.S. cities, Tucson had the highest rate of fatal DUI crashes per population.
When Should You Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Scottsdale?
You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Scottsdale as soon as you are able to leave the scene of the accident. A car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights when dealing with the insurance companies of other parties, and can help you determine the ideal way to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. Without an attorney, it is much harder to obtain the damages you are entitled to.
Work With a Dedicated and Honest Scottsdale Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, driving safely and being aware of the hazards on the road is not always enough to prevent an accident. You can operate your vehicle safely, and still be struck by an impaired driver violating the rules of the road. If this happens, you need an experienced attorney to help you file a claim to financially recover from the accident and hold the driver accountable.
The team at Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C. has more than 30 years of experience in personal injury law, and we are committed to helping those injured by drunk drivers. If you were hurt in an accident or lost a loved one in a crash caused by an impaired driver, we can help you assess the options you have to hold the driver liable and recover certain damages. We tailor our legal guidance to your situation and advocate for the justice you deserve. Reach out to our firm today.
