New Year Driving Resolutions Every Arizona Driver Should Make

Another year, another record-setting number of traffic fatalities in Maricopa County. Our crash data analysis shows fatal crashes increased 67% from 2015 to 2022. The trend hasn’t reversed. Here are the New Year’s resolutions that could save your life — or someone else’s — in 2024.

Resolution 1: Review Your Insurance

Pull out your auto policy and check your UIM/UM coverage. If you have Arizona minimums ($25,000), you’re dangerously underprotected. Increase to at least $100,000/$300,000. The cost difference is usually $10–20 per month.

Resolution 2: Install a Dashcam

A dashcam is the single best investment for protecting yourself in an accident claim. Video evidence eliminates disputes about what happened. A decent unit costs $50–100. There’s no excuse not to have one.

Resolution 3: Put the Phone Down

Arizona’s hands-free law has been in effect since 2021, but phone use while driving remains rampant. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb while driving. No text is worth your life — or someone else’s.

Resolution 4: Know What to Do Before It Happens

Review our accident checklist now — before you need it. Save it on your phone. When you’re shaken up after a crash, you won’t remember the steps. Having a checklist ready makes the difference.

Resolution 5: Drive Defensively During Peak Danger Times

Our data shows Friday 3–6 PM is the deadliest window. Late nights on weekends are the second spike. If you’re on the road during these times, heighten your awareness.

From the Law Badgers — have a safe 2024. And if someone else’s negligence puts you at risk, call (833) DTF-IGHT.