Category Archives: News

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

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PHOENIX — Motor vehicle crashes on local roads and highways across the state claimed the lives of 895 people in 2015, 121 more than the year before, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

The statistical report summing up data provided by law enforcement agencies around the state provides some sobering information about motor vehicle crashes last year, including the 15.6 percent increase in fatalities, compared to 774 deaths that occurred in 2014. The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006.

The numbers highlight how better decisions can save lives when it comes to the following factors, some of which can apply to the same crashes:

  • 313 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt, child safety device or helmet, which represents a 17.7 percent increase from 2014.
  • 300 of those killed were involved in crashes related to exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, a 25.5 percent increase from 2014.
  • 295 of those killed were involved in alcohol-related crashes, a 9.7 percent increase from 2014.

“One death will always be too many, and there are things all drivers can do to reduce the number of crash deaths, starting with buckling up, obeying speed limits and reducing speed when conditions warrant,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

“When you are behind the wheel, job number one is driving – not looking at your phone, not reading, not personal grooming, not anything that takes your attention away from the road. It is dangerous and disrespectful for everyone sharing the road with you. Just drive!” said Halikowski.

Total crashes in the state rose to 116,609 in 2015 from 109,664 the year before. Total injuries rose as well, with 53,554 in 2015 compared to 50,988 in 2014.

After falling every year since 2011, alcohol-related crashes rose slightly to 4,941 in 2015 from 4,906 the year before, while the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes rose to 295 last year from 269 in 2014. According to the Crash Facts report, 16.2 percent of drivers in fatal crashes last year had been drinking, while 4.8 percent of drivers in fatal crashes appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

“It’s tragic and frustrating to see increases in fatalities involving impaired driving,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “We’ll never stop efforts to get people to do the right thing, including arranging for a designated driver. And we’ll fully back law enforcement and their dedication to getting impaired drivers off the road.”

Speed and aggressive driving remained key factors contributing to crashes, with 17 percent of drivers in fatal crashes going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit. The report also shows 38 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit.

“Without a doubt, the number of crash fatalities would be dramatically reduced if more drivers would slow down and obey speed limits,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Our troopers are focused on stopping aggressive speeders. Changing bad driving behaviors is a key to highway safety.”

Motorcycle fatalities in Arizona rose to 134 in 2015 from 128 the year before. Twenty-nine bicyclists died in crashes during 2015, the same number as the year before, though the number of crashes involving bicycles fell to 1,434 last year from 1,744 in 2014.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, also noted the increase in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts or other safety devices, which rose from 266 in 2014 to 313 last year.

“Accidents happen when we least expect it,” said Dr. Christ. “These numbers show how important it is to make sure you and all your passengers are buckled in properly to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse.”

The number of pedestrians killed in crashes rose to 161 in 2015 from 155 the year before, though crashes involving pedestrians declined to 1,399 from 1,565 in 2014.

Here are other figures from the 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.79 hours.
  • 471 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 424 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 77.9 percent occurred in urban areas and 22.1 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 56.4 percent occurred in urban areas and 43.6 occurred in rural areas.
  • Nearly three-quarters of all crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2015 with 19,971, while the most fatal crashes – 154 – occurred on Saturdays.
  • Thanksgiving was the deadliest holiday weekend last year, with 16 motor-vehicle fatalities.
  • Motor vehicle crashes resulted in $3.82 billion in economic losses for Arizona last year.

The ADOT 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Warmer conditions allow Bert Fire to grow while meeting objectives

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bert-fire-1VALLE — With warmer and drier conditions, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has increased to 130 acres in size and is expected to grow larger over the next several days. Fire officials have identified a planning area within which to allow the fire to move safely to the south and west of Ebert Mountain near the point of origin in order to reduce hazardous fuels and improve grassland conditions.

Today, crews will continue preparation work which will include securing roadways, archaeological sites, range fences, power lines and any other potentially fire-sensitive resources within the established boundaries for the fire. Some techniques used will involve removing burnable materials away from these features as well as conducting burn out operations along roadways to stop fire as it approaches. Among several objectives identified, managers have recognized a predefined planning area for grassland restoration within the fire area.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to enhance this grassland restoration project area using fire as an effective tool,” said Deirdre McLaughlin, lands and minerals staff officer for the Williams Ranger District.

Smoke from the Bert Fire may become prominent as it increases in activity and continues to grow, and will be visible from the surrounding communities and highways. Winds are expected to be northwest moving smoke away from developed residential neighborhoods and be pushed toward the southeast with good ventilation. The public is urged to use caution while driving along Highway 64 and Highway 180 during the cooler early morning hours when smoke may be lower due to inversion. No closures are currently anticipated in the area of the fire.

The Bert Fire, discovered May 29th was caused by lightning and has grown to approximately 130 acres. It is located near the junction of forest road 144 and highway 180 approximately 10 miles southeast of the community of Valle.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4751/; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.

Man Booked on Two Counts of attempted Homicide, Second Degree

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300-larry-mcgowanVALLE — 67-year-old Larry Thomas McGowan was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility today on two counts of attempted homicide.

On Friday, May 27 around 5:15 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic assault in progress at a residence in Valle, AZ. The suspect left the residence on foot prior to arrival of the deputies.

The victim sustained multiple injuries from being struck with a baseball bat, and she was air lifted to Flagstaff Medical Center. The victim reported that in defense she fired two shots at the suspect. It was later determined that neither shot hit the suspect. An additional witness / victim also sustained injuries during an attempt to report the crime.

Deputies and a K9 Unit searched for the suspect for approximately two hours on the evening of the incident. They tracked him to a location approximated 1/2 – 1/4 mile from the residence. When they located him, the suspect had several stab wounds which are still under investigation. He was air lifted to Flagstaff Medical Center for his injuries.

This case is currently under continued investigation.

Game and Fish seeks information to catch deer poacher on Arizona Strip

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a mule deer doe recently on the Arizona Strip.

The doe was illegally taken out of season and was discovered on the Arizona Strip in an area locally known as Low Mountain, about 20 miles south of St. George, Utah. Investigators believe the doe was killed within the past 10 days in a remote area accessible from a gypsum mine located off Interstate 15.

While some meat was removed from the animal, much of the carcass was left to waste.

“Poaching is a serious crime that impacts every sportsman and woman within the state of Arizona,” said AZGFD Region 2 Field Supervisor Luke Thompson. “Poaching robs all Arizonans of their valuable wildlife resources. This is not the act of a hunter. It’s a crime that can likely be solved with one tip that can help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Game and Fish seeks information on elk poaching case near Strawberry

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operation_game_thief_footerFLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a yearling elk found in the Strawberry area on or about Sunday, May 22.

The elk was illegally taken out of season and was discovered along Highway 87 north of Strawberry in Game Management Unit 6A. In this case, some of the edible meat was left to waste and was dumped at a different location than where the poaching is suspected to have taken place.

The case remains ongoing, but investigators believe the poaching occurred on the National Forest  between Pine and Happy Jack. Evidence collected at the scene is currently being analyzed by the crime lab.

“Someone may have information about this case and we need them to come forward,” said Game and Fish said Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Sportsmen and women pay for licenses and tags and contribute to wildlife conservation and management, but poachers do not. Poaching isn’t hunting, it’s stealing Arizona’s valuable wildlife resources.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers should provide case number 16-001353 when calling. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

I-11 public comment period begins; six meetings planned for June

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With six public meetings scheduled in June and an opportunity for the public to contribute in other ways, Arizonans can help shape the next step in planning for the proposed Interstate 11 as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves ahead on a three-year environmental study for a corridor stretching from Nogales to Wickenburg.

Planned as much more than a highway, I-11 is envisioned as a multimodal corridor connecting Arizona with regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for mobility, trade, job growth and economic competitiveness.

ADOT has opened a 45-day comment period allowing Arizonans to provide input on the I-11 study area, a process known as public scoping. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and share comments about topics such as potential locations for the I-11 corridor, environmental considerations, impact on wildlife habitats or cultural resources, and possible opportunities for other transportation modes, such as rail, that may be considered.

“The progress on the Interstate 11 study shows ADOT’s commitment to establish a key border-to-border corridor and a trade route with Mexico that will continue our state’s efforts to boost commerce, job growth and economic development,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We have the support of partner agencies throughout the study corridor who realize the benefits that I-11 can bring in terms of competitiveness, regional and global connections, and business opportunities through this new freight and travel route.”

The recommended I-11 corridor would likely follow US 93 from the Hoover Dam bypass bridge south to Wickenburg. The 280-mile corridor that is the focus of the current environmental study begins in Wickenburg and runs west of the Phoenix metropolitan area and then south to the Tucson area and then Nogales.

Publishing a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, kicks off the formal environmental study process, as ADOT works to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to select an I-11 corridor alternative between Nogales and Wickenburg.

Six public meetings are scheduled in the study area:

Wednesday, June 8
Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center – Dining Room
405 E. Sixth St.
Casa Grande

Wednesday, June 15
Buckeye Community Center – Multipurpose Room
201 E. Centre Ave.
Buckeye

Tuesday, June 21
Nogales High School – Cafeteria
1905 N. Apache Blvd.
Nogales

Wednesday, June 22
Arizona Riverpark Inn
777 W. Cushing St.
Tucson

Thursday, June 23
Marana Middle School – Gymnasium
11285 W. Grier Rd.
Marana

Wednesday, June 29
Wickenburg Community Center
160 N. Valentine St.
Wickenburg

All meetings run from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m. The same information will be presented at each meeting.

Those interested in commenting on the study but are unable to attend a public meeting are encouraged to visit the study website at i11study.com/Arizona and complete an online survey. All feedback, questions and comments will be considered part of the study, are entered into the project record and will help shape the proposed I-11 corridor.

In March, ADOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, launched the three-year study. Until now, a process called pre-scoping has included meetings with federal, state and local governments, resource agencies and planning organizations within the study corridor.

The first step in the study is developing an Alternatives Selection Report to assess a wide range of corridor alternatives and options, along with opportunities and constraints. A Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement will evaluate in greater detail a smaller number of corridor alternatives, including segments that may advance as independent improvements or projects. There will be a no-build alterative as well.

Input from the public, communities and other stakeholders will contribute to these two reports, as well as a Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement that will list a selected corridor alternative.

In November 2014, the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation completed a two-year feasibility study as the first step in the Interstate 11 process. In December 2015, Congress formally designated Interstate 11 from north to south in Arizona through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. While the designation doesn’t include funding, it does make the corridor eligible for federal funding in the future.

During the next three years, the public, communities and other stakeholders will have opportunities to comment through regular meetings, community events and other forums. Right now, comments can be sent to:

Interstate 11 Tier 1 EIS Study Team
c/o ADOT Communications
1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information about the I-11 study, visit i11study.com/Arizona.

ADOT takes high-tech approach when freeway needs a lift

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PHOENIX — When a section of freeway settles a bit, taking a high-tech approach to the repair work allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to give the roadway a lift without digging up the pavement.

That’s now the case along the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) in the Scottsdale area, where ADOT is injecting a foam that hardens as it expands to stabilize the soil and lift the pavement. Crews have removed a minor roadway dip without the disruption of digging up and replacing part of the freeway.

The foam injections are being done as part of the ongoing ADOT project to widen and improve Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). Repairing the depression in the freeway’s northbound lanes near McDonald Drive is one of the project team’s last work items before completing the addition of a new layer of smooth rubberized asphalt in that area.

“This is certainly less disruptive than digging up the freeway to do reconstruction work,” said Steve Boschen, director of ADOT’s Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division. “It is a high-tech fix when it comes to long-term ground settlement beneath a freeway. Expansion foam isn’t the answer in all cases, but we’ve had some great success in offsetting the effects of ground settlement.”

Over time, ADOT and contractors have used the expansion foam at other freeway locations where the ground and pavement have settled. It has been used a number of times to lift concrete slabs on either end of freeway bridges. As the foam is injected beneath the freeway, it hardens as it expands and lifts the pavement while stabilizing the soil to guard against future settlement.

“It’s already made a noticeable difference with the dip that drivers may have noticed as they traveled northbound on Loop 101 near the Arizona Canal crossing north of McDonald Drive,” said Dan Haskins, ADOT’s resident engineer on the Loop 101 widening project. “We’re able to work during overnight hours with lane closures. The contractor drills very small holes in the freeway pavement. Crews are then able to run narrow hoses to a depth underground where open space in the soil can be filled with the expansion foam. In this case we’re going as far as 30 feet beneath the freeway.”

Before the foam injection is scheduled, ADOT geotechnical staff members have the job of examining the area where the ground beneath the freeway has settled to determine if the use of the foam is the recommended course of action. More advanced soil testing is then done using equipment to map the ground where settling has occurred. That helps give crews the information they need to inject the foam and stabilize the soil.

The Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 is adding new outside lanes and other improvements along an 11-mile stretch of the freeway. In addition to the current soil-stabilization work near the McDonald Drive interchange, crews are adding a new top layer of smooth rubberized asphalt along the freeway in a series of weekend closures. The entire project is scheduled for completion by this fall.

Campfire Safety Urged This Memorial Day Weekend

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WILLIAMS — aibab National Forest managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any recreational activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the holiday weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, fire danger will move to a rating of “High” on Friday May 27th on both the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts. Warmer temperatures, gusty winds, coupled with fuel moisture levels that change dynamically in the late spring and early summer months can significantly influence the potential for an unwanted wildfire in the forest.

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

Additional fire personnel will be out patrolling the forest this weekend to inform visitors about weather and potential fire conditions, but we offer the following suggestions to help ensure a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

• Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
• Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out.
• Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
• Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
• Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands
• Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.

Emergency Area Closure for the Mormon Fire

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image002FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Mormon Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino County, north of the intersection of Forest Service Road 700 and FR 240 until rescinded or June 26, 2016, whichever event occurs first.

This area closure is implemented as a standard wildfire operations procedure which helps to protect the public from entering into an area that is still active with fire, so as not to impede the efficiency of firefighters and allow for their safety while they do their job. The public is prohibited from entering any trails, roads, or areas within the fire closure area, which will be in force until further notification.

To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/hu7c99f
This area, road, and trail closure only affects National Forest System land, roads, and trails within the closure area on the Coconino National Forest. The closure does not affect any private, state, county, or other Non-National Forest System lands within the closure boundary.

“The Mormon Fire, a wildfire, is being managed near Mormon Mountain in the Flagstaff Ranger District,” said George Jozens, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the Coconino National Forest. “The firefighters on scene are taking all measures to protect people, sensitive wildlife and other values which may be at risk. This closure is just one of the tools used to manage safety in the area. This lightning-caused wildfire is adding the frequent, low severity fire to restore wildlife habitat, promote healthy vegetation, reduce fuels and the risk of severe fire, and create safer conditions for residents, visitors, and firefighters.”

Tiger trout to be stocked in Rim Lakes for Memorial Day weekend

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PINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be stocking a hybrid trout new to Arizona, in two Arizona Rim Country lakes this week, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake will each be stocked with catchable size (8-10 inch) tiger trout the week of May 23.

The tiger trout is a brown-brook trout hybrid. As a result of this hybridization, the tiger trout will be sterile, or unable to reproduce. As tiger trout grow, their worm-like pattern becomes more distinct.

Last summer, the AZGFD obtained around 18,000 tiger trout fingerlings (3-6 inches) from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The trout were raised at the Tonto Creek Hatchery near Payson until they grew to a catchable (at least 8 inch) size.

In addition to Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lake being stocked with tiger trout, Becker Lake and Carnero Lake were stocked with tiger trout earlier in May. In all of these lakes, tiger trout are being stocked in addition to rainbow trout.

At Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake, the standard bag limit of six trout in any combination applies.

At Becker Lake and Carnero Lake, special regulations apply. Becker Lake is catch-and-release only, artificial fly and lure only, and a single barbless hook. At Carnero Lake, there is a two trout daily bag limit, in any combination, and only artificial fly and lure only can be used.

“People typically fly fish for tiger trout,” said Mike Lopez, AZGFD aquatics program manager. “They’re probably more like a brown trout, so lures and flies should work well, because they actively look for prey.”

Lopez also suggests that fishing in the early morning or late in the day will be the most successful because the tiger trout will be most active at those times.

These four lakes were chosen because they are currently managed for rainbow trout sport fishing. Adding tiger trout to the lakes will add diversity and expanded opportunities to the Arizona fishing experience. Because the tiger trout are sterile, the fish won’t establish downstream and potentially impact native fish.

See more information about fishing in Arizona.