Crashes, Congestion Cost Phoenicians Over $1,800 Per Year
Phoenix, Ariz.,
March 5, 2008 – As a part of AAA’s mission to raise awareness of transportation and traffic safety issues, today, the auto club released a first of its kind study that compares the societal cost of traffic crashes to congestion. The results, which compare major cities across the country, including Phoenix and Tucson, reveal that the costs of motor vehicle crashes significantly exceed the costs of congestion.
“As an advocate for the safety and security of the motoring public, it is important for AAA to highlight traffic safety issues that warrant increased attention from the public and policymakers,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Often times, congestion receives more attention than traffic crashes, which actually wind up costing everyone, especially here in Arizona, more money.”
According to the report, “Crashes vs. Congestion: What’s the Cost to Society?,” both Phoenix and Tucson pay more than the national average for both crash and congestion costs. In Phoenix, traffic crashes cost nearly $5.3 billion per year while congestion costs over $1.6 billion annually, which equates to $1,368 and $516 per person respectively.
Compared to Phoenix, Tucson has over 2.9 million fewer residents and therefore has a lesser total when it comes to the total cost of traffic crashes at just over $1.2 billion, while congestion costs total $338 million annually. However, it is interesting to note that on a per person basis, Tucson’s crash and congestion costs are only slightly lower than Phoenix’s numbers at $1,311 and $451 respectively, which proves that the cost of crashes on a per person basis decrease as the size of the metropolitan area increases.
The table below further illustrates how Phoenix stacks up to Tucson and the national average:
|
Total Cost of Crashes |
Total Cost of Congestion |
Annual cost of crashes per person |
Annual cost of congestion per person |
Phoenix |
$5,288 billion |
$1,687 billion |
$1,368 |
$516 |
Tucson |
$1,213 billion |
$338 million |
$1,311 |
$451 |
Nationwide |
$164.2 billion |
$67.6 billion |
$1,051 |
$430 |
“The reason that both Phoenix and Tucson pay more for traffic crashes than the national average is that we have more traffic crashes in our state compared to the national average,” said Gorman. “Common problems that add the number of collisions in our state include red light runners, speed, lack of seat belt usage and the number of people who drive under the influence. Unfortunately, everyone ends up paying the price for this epidemic.”
According to the study, the costs of traffic crashes that are passed along to consumers include:
- Higher health care costs
- Increased property damage costs (which result in higher amounts motorists must pay to fix their vehicles)
- Higher taxes in order to provide adequate police, fire and emergency services
Likewise, the costs of congestion are also passed along to consumers by way of:
- Lost productivity
- Increased fuel expenses
- Increased amounts charged for goods and services
“Ultimately, we want everyone to understand these issues and their societal impacts,” said Gorman. “Progress has been made and the passage of the Teenage Driver Safety Act last session is a good example of that. Unfortunately, our legislature has failed to enact other attempts that would make our roads safer, such as primary seat belt and booster seat laws. If we want to reduce congestion, traffic crashes and their respective costs to our economy, we need to look at improving our laws and overall roadway safety.”
The “Crashes vs. Congestion – What’s the Cost to Society” study was conducted by Cambridge Systematics. A total of 11 components were considered when estimating the cost of crashes, including property damage, medical costs and lost earnings. Congestion costs used in the study were used as reported in the Urban Mobility Report.
To view this study in its entirety, visit http://www.aaaaz.com/news/documents/AAA08Crash_Congestion.pdf.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 775,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
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