Phoenix has earned an unfortunate distinction: it leads the nation in traffic-related fatalities. In 2023 alone, the city saw 307 people lose their lives in car accidents. The grim statistics place Phoenix at the top for deadly crashes and pedestrian fatalities among major cities, surpassing even cities like Los Angeles and Dallas. As the numbers rise, the city grapples with understanding why this deadly trend persists and what can be done to change it. advertisement The Growing Problem of Traffic Deaths in Phoenix According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 307 people were killed in traffic accidents in Phoenix
Long before Sedona became today’s popular destination, a few adventurous souls made their homes in this what we now revere as a geological wonderland. At 4,350 feet in Central Arizona’s Verde Valley, Sedona is surrounded by a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. These natural forces carved out Oak Creek Canyon and created the signature oxidized red rocks that have made the area internationally famous, and make up the Red Rock State Park. advertisement Red Rock State Park, which spans 286 acres just nine miles south of downtown Sedona, now protects this remarkable terrain. Established in 1991, the
Phoenix is a city rich in history, culture, and heritage, with roots extending back to the first century AD. As Phoenix continues to grow into the 21st century, it faces the challenge of balancing urban expansion with the preservation of its diverse historic and archaeological resources. The PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan is the city’s roadmap to achieve this balance. They will be building on the success of the 2015 preservation plan and setting ambitious goals for the next decade. advertisement Why Historic Preservation Matters Phoenix is not just a modern metropolis; it is a city with deep ties to its past.
In a state known for its intense summer heat, it’s helpful to understand how to stay comfortable in hot temperatures while living or visiting Arizona. However, when referring to ‘being comfortable,’ there tends to be a spectrum of what people consider comfortable. People who have spent their whole lives in Arizona have an excellent tolerance for heat but typically get cold easily, and vice versa for those who grew up in much colder states. This spectrum is defined as thermal comfort. advertisement According to ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), thermal comfort is defined in their
In our day-to-day hustle, it’s easy to overlook the beauty surrounding us while on the road. Arizona’s cities are surrounded by incredible landscapes such as the Sonoran Desert, the Sedona monuments, and Flagstaff’s trees and mountains. Still, it’s sometimes too easy to forget the daily beauty we have the opportunity to enjoy. It’s beneficial to remember that Arizona’s commutes can be far more than just a means of getting from point A to point B while trying to avoid traffic. advertisement Top Scenic Commutes in Arizona According to a recent survey by Quantrell Volvo, which surveyed over 3,000 commuters, several
When you think about Arizona, there is no denying you’ll also think about cactus. Not only is it the state flower of the blossom of a Saguaro Cactus, but it’s also illegal to destroy or vandalize a Saguaro Cactus in Arizona. But beyond cactus ‘s resilience in the harsh desert landscape, did you know this spiny plant is also packed with health benefits? From cactus fruit to cactus pads (called nopales), the versatile cactus has been a staple in indigenous diets for thousands of years. It is now gaining attention for its impressive nutritional properties. advertisement What Is Cactus Fruit?
The Bureau of Land Management has announced a $2.4 million investment from the Investing in America agenda. This initiative will support a cultural landscape study and predictive model for public lands in California and Arizona. The study aims to assess the impact of renewable energy development on Tribal ancestral lands as well as other significant landscapes in the Colorado River Basin, helping to improve the responsible siting and processing of renewable energy right-of-way applications. advertisement Renewable Energy Meets Ancestral Grounds As the world shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, the United States has emerged at the forefront of renewable
The Bobcats in Tucson Project (BIT), was launched by a group of Arizona Game and Fish retirees. They have provided insights into the lives of bobcats as they thrive in Tucson’s urban environments. The study, which ran from 2019 to 2024, highlighted the challenges and successes of bobcats coexisting with the human population in a sprawling city. advertisement The Bobcats in Tucson Project The BIT was driven by a team of wildlife experts, including Cheryl Mollohan, Kerry Baldwin, Al LeCount, Ron Day, and Dave Brown. They brought over 150 years of combined experience in wildlife research, management, and education. Their
As Arizona’s population continues to grow rapidly, the state faces the challenge of building a more efficient and sustainable transportation network to accommodate its residents. From urban sprawl in Phoenix to the quieter rural areas, Arizona’s transportation infrastructure is under increasing pressure. However, through a series of forward-thinking initiatives and innovative projects, Arizona is working to address these growing demands. While enhancing safety, sustainability, and mobility for cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit users alike. advertisement Past Improvements and the Challenges Ahead Over the past few decades, Arizona has made great strides in expanding and upgrading its road infrastructure. Major
As the southwestern U.S. continues to face heightened drought conditions and escalating temperatures due to climate change, a new study shows that the increase of dust storms and wind erosion in Arizona is becoming increasingly impactful and concerning. advertisement Health and Safety Wind erosion in Arizona directly impacts public health, primarily by contributing to airborne dust storms that degrade air quality. These dust storms, filled with fine particles, can worsen respiratory issues like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For residents already suffering from lung conditions, these storms exacerbate their health problems and increase hospital visits. One of the
