Master Arizona Traffic With These Safe Driving Tips

Arizona is known for its desert landscapes and soaring temperatures, and the extreme heat can undoubtedly create challenges for drivers. But it’s far from the only concern on the road. With a combination of high-speed freeways, frequent construction, and a diverse mix of driving styles from residents and out-of-state visitors, navigating Arizona’s roads can be tricky. 

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here’s a guide to handling Arizona traffic with caution and confidence.

A Mix of Drivers, a Mix of Habits

Arizona draws people from across the country, bringing a wide range of driving styles and habits to the state’s roads. This diversity creates a unique driving environment, especially during rush hour in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Drivers from states like California may be accustomed to fast, aggressive driving, while others from rural areas might approach the road more cautiously. These varying styles can lead to unpredictable driving behavior, making it essential to remain alert and engage your defensive driving skills. 

Busy Highways & Construction Zones

Arizona’s highway system is a part of daily life for many residents, especially in the sprawling Phoenix area, which relies heavily on highways like I-10, I-17, and Loop 202. These highways are often busy, especially during peak traffic hours. Plus, with rapid development and frequent infrastructure improvements, road construction seems to be a constant fixture.

Driving on Arizona’s highways also comes with a few unique challenges. One of the most notable is the issue of wrong-way drivers. Despite prominent signs and warnings, Arizona sees a troubling number of incidents where drivers mistakenly enter the highway in the wrong direction. This often occurs with out-of-state drivers accustomed to cloverleaf interchanges instead of Arizona’s “stacked” access points. 

How to Stay Safe

  • Plan ahead: Use navigation apps to check for traffic, construction, or closures and allow extra time to deal with delays.
  • Stay alert: Slow down and watch for “wrong way” signs and special signage in construction zones.
  • Maintain distance: Keep a safe following distance, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Navigating New Roundabouts

In recent years, Arizona has been incorporating more roundabouts into its roadways, which can confuse many drivers. If you’re unfamiliar with how roundabouts work, here are some basic rules that will help you navigate them safely.

  • Yield: As you approach a roundabout, slow down and yield to any traffic already circulating. Unlike traditional intersections, traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise, so you’ll need to watch for cars approaching from your left.
  • Stay in your lane: Roundabouts may have multiple lanes, so be sure to choose the correct lane based on your exit. The right lane is usually for the first exit, while the left is for exits further around the circle. 
  • Exit safely: Signal your exit just as you would when changing lanes. This lets other drivers know you’re leaving the roundabout and helps keep the traffic flowing smoothly. 

Pedestrians & Bicycle Safety

Arizona is an ideal location for walking and biking, especially when harsh summer temperatures begin to drop. However, this also means there are more interactions between cars, pedestrians, and cyclists and, unfortunately, an uptick in pedestrian and bicycle-related accidents. Understanding crosswalk rules can help prevent some of these incidents.

  • Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked crosswalks. Drivers should come to a complete stop and wait for pedestrians to cross before proceeding. 
  • For crosswalks equipped with Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB), drivers must stop when the beacon is solid red. You can proceed with caution when the red light is dark or flashing and the crosswalk is clear.

Learn to Drive Safely in Arizona 

Navigating Arizona’s traffic can be challenging, but with the right training, you can become a safer, more confident driver. Whether you’re new to the area or want to improve your skills, we offer comprehensive courses covering everything from basic road safety to advanced defensive driving techniques. 

Register today or contact our expert instructors with any questions. We’re here to help keep you safe on Arizona’s roads.