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Arizona Football Fans Warned Of Heavy Traffic Thursday

Sports fans show a level of devotion and dedication that leads them to do whatever it takes to cheer on their favorite teams. This kind of passion brings lots of fun but also some hassles, especially with the traffic jams popping up in cities where big games with popular teams are held. About 70,000 people are expected to attend the Pac-12 showdown between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Oregon Ducks at Sun Devil Stadium on Thursday and state officials are warning drivers to leave early and plan for delays. In fact, they are advising drivers to use alternate routes when possible and allow plenty of time to get where they are going. They are so concerned about the traffic situation that the Arizona Department of Transportation is going as far as advising some visitors to the area to consider using light rail instead of trying to drive into the city of Tempe. If fans do decide to drive, however, the ADOT is suggesting they leave early--plenty early enough to get to the city in time for the game. They are also saying that even if drivers leave early they are still likely to encounter delays. the ADOT is also suggesting changes for regular commuters who usually travel eastbound on Loop 202 in the afternoon and evening. According to the ADOT these local drivers should consider an alternate route to the east Valley, such as eastbound I-10 to US 60, or northbound State Route 51 to the eastbound Loop 101. If local drivers can avoid staying off the roads altogether, they said, that is even better. For many drivers, especially those heading to our from work, they might not have a choice about which roads they take or what time of day they drive. If that's the case then these drivers too should think seriously about leaving early and being certain they have a full tank of gas so they can handle a little bit (maybe a lot) longer commute.

Drag Racing Kills – Again

What began as a joyride took a tragic turn for some teens in Tucson over the weekend. Authorities report two young drivers, with one having four passengers in his car, chose to drag race. The cars were speeding at over 85 mph in an area meant for 35 mph, leading both drivers to lose control. Their cars flipped and crashed into a nearby cluster of trees. Three passengers in one of the vehicles were injured and another died as a results of her injuries. That driver was arrested on charges of of Driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment. Drag racing is not uncommon in Arizona or around the country. In fact any time teenagers and cars mix, the urge to speed and drive recklessly, seems to be overwhelming for some drivers. They speed with a vengeance and don't hesitate to risk their life or the lives of anyone riding with them. Often drunks or alcohol are involved but not always. Sometimes it is nothing but the thrill of the moment that urges them to excess, often with tragic results. Police, parents and traffic safety experts have been fighting an uphill battle when it comes to teenagers and reckless driving. Unfortunately, despite their efforts teenagers continue to demonstrate that when it comes to driving they still have a great deal to learn about safety.

Autumn Brings Bright Colors – Like ‘Cone Zones’

Arizona doesn't have many trees that change color in the fall, but it sure has a bunch of bright orange traffic cones. You can't miss these cheerful beacons, popping up all over the place wherever there's construction going on. With their bold and lively color, they paint the landscape with a whole different kind of autumn vibe. These cones, scattered across roads and highways, give a quirky twist to the usual fall scenery, almost like nature's unexpected masterpiece. Whether it's a small town or a busy city, each cone seems to tell a wild story of workers just around the corner, waiting to transform roads every single day. A journey through Arizona becomes a fascinating adventure, where every turn might reveal another splash of vibrant orange, keeping travelers curious about the wonders it holds next. It is not unusual for drivers to see an increase in the number of construction sites popping on Arizona roadways during the months between August and whenever winter finally decides to arrive. The cool, dry weather is the perfect time for construction crews to get some serious work done on the infrastructure; roads need new paving, lanes widened, bridges repaired, that sort of thing. All this construction is good for drivers in the long run, but can causes delays while it is happening. State law requires drivers to slow down when workers are present. Traffic congestion caused by this 'slowing' means it will likely take you longer to get where you are going, so be prepared to slow down or stop and find an alternate route if at all possible. Also, make certain you have plenty of fuel in your tank before you set off so you don't find yourself running low while sitting in traffic. If you have questions about traffic construction, or alternate routes, you can visit the Arizona Department of Transportation web site for a listing of state highway projects; what's happening, where and what alternate route they might suggest. In the meantime, slow down and be aware that construction is prevalent this time of year. There is no reason for drivers to speed when workers (or any sort of pedestrian) is present on the road. It only takes an instant for an accident to happen, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Arizona Driver’s License Does Expire

Your Arizona driver's license will last you more than five decades, but eventually, it will expire. Arizona is so far the only state which allows its state-issued driver's license to expire. On your 65th birthday, your state-issued driver's license will cease to function, requiring you to renew your license in person. Then, every five years you will be required to renew your license after passing a vision test. When you reach age 70 you will no longer be able to renew your driver's license by mail and will need to renew in person. arizona-8 Arizona takes these steps to ensure that drivers of a certain age have the physical ability to safely operate their vehicle on state roads. It is a fact that as we age our bodies simply do not function the same way they did when we were younger. Our vision can decline, our hearing can decline and even our ability to react and respond quickly can all face decline as we age. This has led some safety experts to recommend that senior drivers be tested more often to ensure that they meet minimum safety requirements for operating a motor vehicle. Proponents of senior living say these requirements are not needed because senior drivers are not the most dangerous group on the roads today. In fact, they say, considering they represent a small percentage of drivers on the road they account for an even smaller percentage of serious accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration still ranks teenage and first-time drivers as the group most at risk of being involved in a fatal vehicle collision. And vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers. However, regardless of statistics, Arizona has taken its own stance when it comes to driving privileges for seniors:
ARIZONA: Licenses expire on the 65th birthday, and until then drivers only need new photos every 12 years — making Arizona unique in how long a license can last. Starting at 65, drivers must renew every five years, with a vision test each time. At age 70, renewal can no longer be done by mail. In 1995, Arizona started issuing licenses that were good until age 60. Legislation in 1999 expanded the expiration date to age 65. In an email, the Arizona Department of Transportation said the change reflected “a more realistic view of a capable driving age,” that also saved money on renewals.
While you are making sure that your license hasn’t expired, it may be wise to make sure that your car insurance hasn’t expired either! Insurance companies are supposed to ask you if you would like to renew your current policy, and in some circumstances, they will renew your plan at a higher rate without you even noticing! Make sure this hasn’t happened to you. Be certain you are paying the best rate on your auto insurance. Each state has its own rules on driver license expiration and renewal.  Taking a defensive driving course is a good way to learn about your state’s rules and to learn defensive driving facts and techniques for all ages.

Arizona Flooding Closes Roads

State Route 264 east of the Navajo Nation community opened again Wednesday evening. Arizona Department of Transportation managed this after unexpected heavy rain caused the road to flood and close. More than eight inches of rain fell in some parts of the state within hours. This is more rainfall than the state might receive during an average year. This type of heavy rain in an area which is unused to such a deluge produces some unexpected dangers. Flooded roads are only one potential problem caused by heavy rain. In the case of 264 East in Arizona the problem was caused by heavy rainfall but not in the way you might expect.
A severe thunderstorm a day earlier had sent water over a bluff and onto a portion of the highway that runs along a cliff, washing out about six feet of dirt beneath the road. Transportation crews responded with dirt and millings to fill the ground and build up the shoulder.
Arizona Department of Transportation has erected some temporary repairs so drivers can use the roadway. Drivers had been facing significant detours during the closure of the highway, which runs through the Navajo and Hopi reservations to New Mexico. Permanent repairs are expected to begin later this week.

‘Stupid Motorists’ Risk Citations In Arizona

Stupid MotoristsStupidity is often in the eye of the beholder. Unless the beholder is a police officer watching a motorist flaunt road signs or traffic laws for no darn good reason. That was the logic behind a 1995 Arizona law which allows officers to cite drivers for doing exactly that. It's been dubbed the 'stupid motorist' law, and its aim is any driver who thinks they can simply ignore impromptu street barricades, lets say, put in place to mark a flooded roadway. You might think that flooded roadways would be their own caution sign, prompting motorists to find some other way to their destination. Unfortunately, not only will some drivers ignore the flooded roadway, they will also often drive around temporary barricades erected by police to keep them from driving on those streets. At issue is not simply the safety of the motorist but also the costs of rescuing them if they become stuck these cost can fluctuate, but in most cases cost somewhere between $2,000 to $50,000 for a total rescue of vehicle plus occupants. That means, just because somebody decides not to use common sense and defy a police ordered barricade, the police and fire and rescue units must incur the costs to rescue them from their own stupidity. Arizona thinks that's a bad idea, and that's why their law states: "A driver of a vehicle who drives the vehicle on a public street or highway that is temporarily covered by a rise in water level, including groundwater or overflow of water, and that is barricaded because of flooding is liable for the expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove from the public street or highway the driver or any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway or the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway, or both."

New Arizona Drivers Start The Process Online

The Arizona Department of Transportation aims to keep getting your driver's license as easy as pie. Their website clearly spells out what you need to do to snag a driver's license or learner's permit. Everyone has been there (well most of us anyway.) The excitement building to a crescendo in the weeks or months leading up to our birthday (15 yrs and six months for an Arizona learner's permit) can be almost overwhelming. We study the driver's manual, memorize street signs and road rules; do everything in our power to be as ready humanly possible so we can pass the test in one go. But where do we go from there? How do we get the process started? Often first time drivers, while busily learning how to drive and preparing for the test have forgotten to answer those simple questions. Fortunately, ADOT has those answers, plus a whole list of the identifying documents you will also need (bet you didn't even think about need identifying documents, did you?)
You must visit an MVD office to complete an application, have a photo taken and pass a vision screening. Begin your application online. If you need to print one, see Driver License/Identification Card Application. If you are currently licensed in another state, you must bring in your out-of-state driver license and one other form of identification, take the vision test, and pay the appropriate fee. A written test will not be required. If you are between the ages of 16 (15 and 6 months for an Instruction Permit) and 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the legal guardian section on the driver license application. The legal guardian's identification may serve as one form of identification, but you will still need two additional documents, such as an original birth certificate and Social Security card. You will be subject to the written, vision and road skills test as well as the appropriate application fee. See Identification Requirements for a listing of acceptable proof of identification. One proof must be listed under Primary.

Arizona Winds Pick Up Again; Drivers Are Warned

Drivers need to watch out for surprise dust storms in Arizona, thanks to the state's tricky winds. With the recent long, hot, dry summer, Arizona deserts are likely to produce sudden strong wind storms especially as the weather begins the cool down for the coming autumn. There is little that can be done to limit the severity of these storms, but much that can be done to warn drivers to be aware of their ferocity. These dust storms tend to become more common in Spring and late summer. They create near zero-visibility levels, especially for drivers caught unaware. Headlights do not do enough to create a safe driving environment and anyone not prepared for a dust storm can quickly find themselves lost or on a collision course for something they would have avoided had they been able to see. As a result of these storms the Arizona Department of Transportation has issued the following safet tips for anyone driving in Arizona or just passing through:
Avoid driving into or through a dust storm Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway —do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can. If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel. Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability is still the number one factor to prevent crashes.

Traffic Fatalities Increase In AZ

Living or traveling through Arizona? Take it slow and drive carefully. Last year, traffic-related deaths jumped by almost 10 percent in the state. Some folks warn this might keep climbing as more and more people move there. Arizona is already one of the most densely populated states (in urban areas) and sees more than its fair share of newcomers each year. New homes continue to spring up, despite a sluggish housing market and depressed economy, and all of these factors is putting pressure on police and traffic safety experts to find solutions which will reverse this new trend. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the increase in traffic fatalities the state saw in 2011 was the first such increase in five years. Almost 900 people died on Arizona roads last year in a variety of different types of crashes, almost all of which could have been prevented through safe driving habits.
The “2011 Crash Facts” report shows 825 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on highways and local roads in the state last year, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Compared to the 759 fatalities in 2010, last year’s figure marks an 8.7 percent increase in motor vehicle crash deaths....In 2011, 132 motorcycle riders and passengers were killed in 130 fatal motorcycle crashes compared to 85 such deaths in 2010, an increase of 55 percent.

Arizona Considers Stop-Arm Cameras For School Buses

stop-arm camerasA recent report by the company American Traffic Solutions last year alone nearly 1,400 drivers failed to adequately stop for school buses while they were loading or unloading passengers. That is a surprising statistic for anyone but perhaps most especially parents of school age children. Now the ATS is trying to turn their report into a call to action. the company is petitioning the state of Arizona to consider installing stop-arm cameras on all school buses in an effort to identify the drivers who carelessly speed past stopped buses. The system works similarly to the way traffic cameras work at intersections. They are set to trigger if a vehicle crosses a certain point. They snap a picture of the driver and license plate number of the vehicle which crosses that point and a citation is automatically generate for the registered owner of that vehicle. Only in the case of stop-arm cameras they would be positioned on the stop-arm deployed by the bus driver when the vehicle makes a stop to load or unload passengers. Also, instead of automatically issuing a ticket each photograph would be evaluated and then a citation mailed separately. The fine for passing a stopped school bus in Arizona ranges between $250-$500 depending on the offense. Regardless of the fact there is a law preventing it, there certainly is no valid reason for a driver to pass a school buses which loading or unloading children. When it comes to driving hazards a child is perhaps the most unpredictable of all. They might cross behind the bus or in front of the; dart across the street without looking both ways (or either way) and are prone to doing unexpected things "just because." For drivers, the responsibility is theirs to be aware of the hazards represented by all things, but perhaps most especially children. Because striking a child at any speed could have deadly consequences.

Arizona Offers Five-Year Registrations

Skipping the yearly car registration trip in Arizona is possible, and many find this a real boon. The Arizona Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides an option for some lucky drivers to register their cars for a cool five years at once. This means not having to make that yearly trek to the BMV for renewal. It can be a time saver for many if they have a qualifying vehicle. Arizona BMV makes it easy to know whether or not you have a qualifying vehicle, so just drop by their web site to learn more about it!
Any vehicles not subject to emissions testing requirement for the entire five-year registration cycle, which include the following: Most vehicles registered outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas Vehicles with model year 1966 and older New vehicles that have never been registered in Arizona or in any other state Motorcycles located in emissions Nonattainment Area B (Tucson metro area) Commercially registered trailers 10,000 lbs GVW and less Solar, electric and hydrogen powered alternative fuel vehicles
And don't forget to visit the My Improv Traffic School web site when you need an excellent online traffic school!

How Does Arizona Define A ‘Resident’?

Recent changes to immigration enforcement in Arizona have been making waves in the news, leaving folks wondering about the impact on the average American. So, what's all this hoopla mean if you're thinking of calling Arizona home? How’s Arizona decide who's a resident, and what key things should be on your radar if you're moving there? Dive into this whirlwind topic, bound to spark your curiosity and keep you wanting to uncover more. Arizona makes the rules for residency very clear. Essentially, if you are already a U.S. citizen you don't have anything to worry about. The state is not conducting a witch hunt against legal immigrants or citizens, nor is trying to halt all emmigration to the state. They are trying to put an end to illegal immigration and ensure that everyone who is using state services has a legal right to do so. However, if you are unaware of their state laws it is possible you could find yourself in violation of one or more of them, so it's best to learn the facts before you make a move. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles makes it very clear who qualifies as a resident of the state. In those cases the individuals must obtain proper license and identification if they want to stay on the right side of the law. Once you have determined your status (resident or not) then you can begin the process to make application for a state issued driver's license or identification:
Identification and Proof of Age Arizona state law requires that all applicants for an original driver license or identification card present two forms of identification – one must have your photo (or three forms of identification if no photo identification is available). See list of acceptable documents. All must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. All must be in English. Social Security Number You are required by ARS 28-3158(D)(5) and 42 USC 405(c)(2)(C) to provide your Social Security Number. It will be used to verify your identity and to comply with federal and state child support enforcement laws. It will not be used as your driver license number. Parent/Guardian Approval If you are under 18, your application for an instruction permit or driver license must be signed by at least one adult. The adult will be responsible for any negligence or willful misconduct when you are driving. The application must be signed by: One natural parent if married to the other natural parent or Both natural parents if not married to each other, but share joint custody or, One natural parent with sole custody Or, if neither parent is living: Legal guardian (proof required) or Foster parent living with the minor (proof required) or Employer of the minor (death certificates must be shown) The signatures must be witnessed by an MVD agent or by a notary public. Signatures obtained for an instruction permit will be required again for a driver license.

New Arizona Residents Must Register At The DMV

Planning a move to Arizona or starting a brand-new job there? Make sure to swing by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division right away! In fact, according to Arizona state law you must register with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles "immediately" if you plan on driving there for any length of time for work, school or an extended stay longer than seven months. Arizona has very strict rules regarding driving privileges and identification, so if you think you might be spending some time there it is best to visit the Arizona DMV and find out how you can meet the state requirements before you start driving around.
State law requires that you obtain an Arizona vehicle registration and driver license, immediately if any of the following applies. If you: Work in Arizona (other than for seasonal agricultural work) –or– Are registered to vote in Arizona –or– Place children in school without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident –or– Have a business that has an office in Arizona, and that bases and operates vehicles in this state –or– Obtain a state license or pay school tuition fees at the same rate as an Arizona resident –or– Have a business that operates vehicles to transport goods or passengers within Arizona –or– Remain in Arizona for a total of 7 months or more during any calendar year, regardless of your permanent residence. Out-of-state students enrolled with 7 or more semester hours, are not considered Arizona residents, regardless of employment. Active duty military personnel based in Arizona who qualify for exemption under the Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2003 are not considered Arizona residents.
Don't forget, if you need an excellent online traffic school we have Arizona state specific classes open right now!

Insurance Companies In Arizona Get More Than 3 Years Of Records

In Arizona, auto insurance companies can peek at your driving history from the past 39 months. This means they're able to check out details like every parking ticket, car crash, or speeding fine you've racked up. Depending on your driving record this could negatively impact your insurance rates, causing insurance companies to charge you more each month for standards insurance. Rates for some drivers have ballooned in recent years, meaning any little blot on their record is going to cost them a whole lot more. It is also possible that an insurance provider will (or can) deny you coverage altogether because they consider you to be too high of a risk. Remember, insurance companies are in business to make money. If they don't think they can make a profit from you because you are an unsafe driver then it is not in their best interest to take your business. it's as simple as that. From Arizona Department of Transportation:
13) What traffic convictions will show if an insurance company runs my MVR? Any convictions received and showing on your driving record within the past 39 months will be provided to an insurance company.

Stolen License In Arizona? ADOT Can Help

You head out to a ball game, hit the mall for some shopping, or take a stroll in the park, and then once you're home, you find your wallet's gone. It’s a real bummer. Many folks have faced theft or lost something dear at some time in their lives. It can shake you up, leave you feeling all topsy-turvy, but sadly, it's just a part of living. Among the things we can lose it is our personal documents which can cause the most problems. Cash can be replaced; family photographs are usually copied and secure, but our driver's license, well, losing that is a real problem. If you are an Arizona driver there is a quick and easy remedy that can you back on the safe side and make certain nobody else is using your license for nefarious purposes. If you suspect your license has been stolen, or perhaps just lost, your first step should be contacting the Arizona Department of Transportation. You can visit their web site or contact them by phone, or even drive down to the local offices. (Remember, this only works if your license is valid. Don't drive on a revoked or suspended license.) Once you contact ADOT they can walk you through the steps needed to get your license back and get you back on the road safely.
You may replace a lost or stolen driver license or identification card online, by phone, or at any MVD or authorized Third Party office. The fee for a duplicate license is $12.00. A duplicate ordered online can be sent by express delivery for an additional fee. If you visit an office you must have two forms of identification, one of which contains your photo (or three forms of identification, if no photo). Management approval may be required. If your license has been lost or stolen and you have reason to believe someone else is using it, the incident should be reported to your local police department as an identity theft. See Identification Requirements for a listing of acceptable proof of identification. One proof must be listed under Primary.
To learn more about traffic and driving safety, visit our web site.

Arizona License Plate And Registration Suspensions

If you're among the countless Arizona drivers getting word about your license plate and vehicle registration being put on hold, you're probably scratching your head. What exactly went down and how did it happen? The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles maintain a complete data base of vehicle registration information which is updated daily. Anything you do with your vehicle. If you receive a vehicle citation, speeding ticket or are involved in a vehicle accident, this information is stored as a part of your driving record. So too are the records of your vehicle insurance. If you do not keep your vehicle insurance updated the insurance company will automatically notify the Arizona DMV (they are required by law to do this) and your vehicle registration and license plates will be automatically suspended. This process is an automatic response kicked off when notification is received about the status of your insurance. If you want to keep driving legally in Arizona, make certain you know the status of your vehicle insurance and don’t drive a vehicle with suspended registration and license plates!
I received a notice that my plates and registration were suspended...why? A suspension could have been generated for one of several reasons: 1) MVD has not received proof of Arizona insurance, 2) There was a lapse in insurance coverage, 3) There was an accident case opened, 4) A newly registered vehicle may not have been on system when insurance information was received, 5) There was a VIN (vehicle identification number) error, either entered into the system incorrectly or provided incorrectly by the insurance company.
So, what do you do if your plate and registration are suspended? You must file fees and future proof of financial responsibility with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Services (MVA). It is best to get your insurance reinstated as soon as you can, because police officers will ask for proof of insurance if they pull you over and driving without insurance could cost you up to $500 in fines. To clear a registration suspension, you must be able to provide proof that you had insurance at the time you were pulled over. If you can’t provide proof, then you will have to pay a $50 reinstatement fee after you eventually provide proof. But likely it doesn’t take long to be reinstated. You should only have to wait up to 24 hours for your plate and registration to be reinstated.