A crash took place on Route 188, south of Payson, resulting in two fatalities. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently looking into the incident, which occurred on a Tuesday morning.

The location of the crash is noted as Milepost 272, near Jakes Corner, a small area south of Payson.

As reported by DPS, a yellow Volkswagen collided head-on with a silver Toyota, which had crossed the centerline for reasons still unclear. The Toyota was heading north at the time of the incident.

Neither of the drivers involved were wearing seat belts, and both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Tragedy on Arizona Roads

Data from Arizona’s transport department indicates that the number of road fatalities in the state has been on the rise over the last ten years.

• 2011: 825 deaths
• 2012: 821 deaths
• 2013: 844 deaths
• 2014: 774 deaths
• 2015: 895 deaths
• 2016: 952 deaths
• 2017: 1,000 deaths
• 2018: 1,010 deaths
• 2019: 982 deaths
• 2020: 1,057 deaths

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) emphasizes the importance of road safety, suggesting that there is always potential for improvement.

ADOT provides several recommendations for safer driving practices, such as:

• Drive calmly and avoid aggressive behavior
• Never drive under the influence
• Limit distractions while driving
• Always wear seat belts, and ensure all passengers do the same
• Yield when emergency vehicles are on the roadside
• Stay vigilant in work zones
• Be cautious of hazardous weather conditions

For more detailed driving safety tips, ADOT encourages checking their website.

Real-time road condition updates are available through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website, or you can call 511 for information.