Mesa, AZ (December 9, 2024) – Two separate fatal car crashes occurred overnight Saturday on Loop 202 in the Valley, resulting in tragic losses, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The first crash, reported around 11 p.m. near Recker Rd in Mesa, involved a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the freeway. The collision involved two vehicles and resulted in the death of one individual. Multiple people sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, Mesa Fire & Medical Department confirmed.
Approximately two hours later, a second fatal crash occurred in the westbound lanes of Loop 202 near the 44th St exit in Phoenix. State officials confirmed that this incident also resulted in a fatality.
Both accidents prompted significant disruptions, with freeway lanes closed for several hours. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the affected lanes reopened by 9 a.m. Sunday morning.
Wrong-Way Driving Crashes in Arizona
Wrong-way driving continues to be a significant issue on Arizona roadways, contributing to devastating accidents like those seen on Loop 202. In 2023, wrong-way driving violations were reported in 13 fatal crashes statewide, as per ADOT crash data. Arizona recorded a total of 1,197 fatal crashes that year, underscoring the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
State leaders have taken steps to mitigate these tragedies. In 2018, the state implemented stricter penalties for impaired wrong-way drivers. Additionally, ADOT invested $4 million in a pilot program to install a camera system on Interstate 17, designed to detect wrong-way drivers, alert law enforcement, and warn other drivers through signage. These measures aim to reduce the frequency and severity of such collisions, though continued vigilance and driver responsibility remain critical.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a vehicle collision, Local Accident Reports provides resources to help navigate the aftermath of accidents, including connecting victims with support services to address legal, medical, and emotional challenges.