Tempe, Arizona – Wrong-Way Collision on State Route 202 Claims Life of 21-Year-Old Woman
Tempe, Arizona — Authorities are investigating a tragic wrong-way collision on State Route 202 that resulted in the loss of a 21-year-old woman’s life early Monday morning. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the crash occurred just after midnight, west of Priest Drive. The incident has left the community shaken and raised renewed concerns about wrong-way driving in the region.
According to DPS, the crash was reported around 12:05 a.m. when calls began flooding 911 dispatchers about an SUV traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of SR-202 near Center Parkway. Witnesses described the vehicle’s erratic path, with some drivers swerving to avoid a potential collision.
Investigators believe the SUV first sideswiped a Hyundai sedan in the left lane. The impact caused the sedan to spin toward the median, but fortunately, its driver sustained only minor injuries. The SUV then continued traveling in the wrong direction before colliding head-on with a Kia vehicle, where the 21-year-old woman was a passenger.
Emergency responders from Tempe Fire Medical Rescue arrived within minutes of the crash. Despite their efforts, the young woman was pronounced deceased at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. The driver of the Kia was transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the SUV was also hospitalized and is currently under medical evaluation. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential impairment, but they stated that toxicology tests are being conducted. Wrong-way driving incidents in Arizona are often linked to alcohol or drug impairment, though investigations must confirm the cause before charges are considered.
State transportation officials noted that wrong-way crashes, though relatively rare, often result in severe or fatal outcomes due to the high speeds involved. DPS has urged drivers to remain vigilant, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when impaired driving is more prevalent.
In response to this tragedy, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) highlighted its ongoing wrong-way driver detection systems installed along certain freeways, including portions of SR-202. These systems use thermal cameras to detect wrong-way vehicles and alert both law enforcement and nearby drivers through highway message boards.
Neighbors and friends of the victim have expressed their grief and disbelief over the sudden loss. Many described her as a vibrant, kind-hearted young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. Social media posts have been filled with condolences and calls for stricter measures to prevent such incidents.
Authorities are asking any witnesses with dashcam footage or additional information about the SUV’s movements before the crash to come forward. DPS says that every detail could help piece together the moments leading up to the tragedy and determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
This incident marks another sobering reminder of the dangers wrong-way driving poses on Arizona’s roadways. Community leaders hope that increased awareness, improved technology, and strict enforcement can help prevent more lives from being lost in similar collisions.
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