Arizona’s Teen Drivers: The Worst And The Best Cities
Arizona has earned a reputation for hazardous roads, but for teen drivers, the risks are especially severe—and nowhere is this more evident than in Tucson. Recent studies and crash data reveal that Tucson is the state’s most dangerous city for young drivers, topping even Phoenix for fatality rates and crash risk. Meanwhile, a handful of Arizona cities offer a much safer environment for teens learning to drive.
Tucson: The Epicenter of Teen Driver Danger
Tucson stands out as the worst city in Arizona for teen drivers. According to national rankings, Tucson is fourth in the country for dangerous drivers and has the highest fatal crash rate among large Arizona cities1. In 2023, Tucson saw 138 fatal accidents, translating to 2.5 fatal crashes per 10,000 residents—well above the state average. The city also ranks high for deadly crashes involving speeding, impaired, and distracted drivers. For teens, who are more likely to be involved in risky behaviors or lack experience, Tucson’s aggressive driving culture and complex intersections make it a particularly perilous place to get behind the wheel.
Phoenix and Other Risky Cities
Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, isn’t far behind. With nearly 37,000 crashes and 298 fatal collisions in 2023, Phoenix leads the state in both total crashes and alcohol-involved incidents. Aggressive driving, speeding, and distracted driving are everyday hazards. Mesa and Glendale also report high crash volumes and significant numbers of multi-vehicle and alcohol-related collisions. Tempe, with its large student population, ranks as the state’s second-worst for overall crash rates, driven by the mix of young drivers, nightlife, and busy intersections.
Arizona’s Cities Ranked: Worst to Safest for Teen Drivers in 2024
| Rank | City | Fatal Accidents per 10,000 Residents | Total Fatal Accidents (Recent Year) | Crash/Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tucson | 2.5 | 138 | Highest fatal crash rate among large cities; frequent local street fatalities; high risk for teens |
| 2 | Phoenix | 1.8 | 292 | Large crash volume, aggressive driving, most alcohol-involved crashes in state |
| 3 | Lake Havasu City | 2.2 | 13 | High fatality rate for city size, riskier for young/inexperienced drivers |
| 4 | Casa Grande | 2.0 | 12 | Elevated fatality rate, many crashes on interstates |
| 5 | Flagstaff | 1.8 | 14 | Higher fatality rate, challenging weather, college town risks |
| 6 | Glendale | 1.6 | 41 | High red-light running, alcohol-involved crashes |
| 7 | Yuma | 1.6 | 16 | Higher fatality rate, but lower crash volume |
| 8 | Buckeye | 1.4 | 15 | Fatalities above state average, state highway risks |
| 9 | Mesa | 1.2 | 63 | High crash volume, but per capita risk lower than Phoenix/Tucson |
| 10 | Avondale | 1.2 | 11 | Moderate risk, most fatal crashes on local streets |
| 11 | Peoria | 1.1 | 21 | About average fatality rate, lower crash volume |
| 12 | Tempe | 1.0 | 19 | College town, high crash rate compared to state average |
| 13 | Surprise | 1.0 | 16 | Below average fatality rate, safer suburban profile |
| 14 | Goodyear | 0.9 | 10 | Below average fatality rate, safer for teens |
| 15 | Chandler | <1.0 | — | Among safest large cities, low fatality and crash rates |
| 16 | Gilbert | <1.0 | — | Consistently among safest in state and nation |
| 17 | Scottsdale | <1.0 | — | Ranks among safest cities nationally, low crash and fatality rates |
What Makes Tucson and Phoenix So Dangerous for Teens?
The riskiest cities share several troubling traits:
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- Aggressive driving and road rage
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- Frequent speeding and red-light running
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- Heavy traffic congestion
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- Wide, multi-lane arterials and complex intersections
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- High rates of alcohol-involved and distracted driving crashes
Tucson and Phoenix are particularly notorious for their challenging driving cultures, where risky behaviors and high-speed collisions are all too common. In 2023, young drivers under 25 were involved in over 8,300 injuries and 134 deaths statewide, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group.
The Safest Cities for Teen Drivers
Not all Arizona cities are equally dangerous. Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler consistently rank among the safest, with low crash and fatality rates and strong national safety rankings. These cities benefit from better road design, advanced traffic management, and proactive law enforcement. Community-driven safety programs and modern infrastructure further reduce risks for teens.
How Driving Schools Are Making a Difference
Improving teen driver safety isn’t just about luck or location—it’s about education. Leading driving schools like DrivingMBA offer a comprehensive program combining classroom instruction, simulation labs, and on-road training to help teens build advanced, defensive driving skills. Legacy Driving Academy in Phoenix provides tailored instruction, free pickup and drop-off, and certified trainers who focus on real-world safety and confidence behind the wheel. The Institute For Driving Safety serves the Greater Phoenix area with research-based instruction and a proven track record of helping teens pass their road tests and drive responsibly.
For families seeking advanced, no-cost training, the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) Teen Pro-Active Driver Training program is a standout. This free, nationally recognized course offers classroom and hands-on training in crash avoidance, panic braking, and distracted driving awareness, helping teens gain life-saving skills in a controlled environment.
Ready to take action? Sign up for the free Advance Teen Driving Course from B.R.A.K.E.S. at putonthebrakes.org and give your teen the confidence and skills to stay safe on Arizona’s roads.
Arizona’s roads remain among the most dangerous in the nation for young drivers. But with awareness, education, and the right resources, families can help tip the odds in their teens’ favor—no matter where they drive.
Looking For Low Cost Teen Auto Insurance?
If you are a concerned parent that wants to evaluate teen auto insurance options, feel free to reach out to one of the teen auto insurance experts at Comparion Insurance. You can start by conducting a free AI Auto Insurance Discount Check, or contact a qualified agent at Comparion Insurance.
