Anna Marie Leach, 15, killed and one person injured in high-speed crash at 59th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard in Phoenix, Arizona

A tragic car accident occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old girl, Anamarie Leach, and injuries to a teen boy. The crash took place around 4:15 a.m. near the intersection of 59th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. The vehicle, traveling east at high speed, lost control, rolled off the road, crashed through a fence, and collided with a tree. Both teens were trapped inside the car and were extricated by officers and firefighters. Leach later died at the hospital, while the male passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police are still investigating the incident.

Phoenix, Arizona, has seen a significant number of car crashes in recent years, with speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving being key contributing factors. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the city experiences thousands of accidents annually, many resulting in injuries or fatalities. In 2022, Phoenix accounted for a large portion of the state’s total crashes, with over 30% involving serious injuries or deaths. High-speed collisions, like those seen on major roads such as Interstate 10 and urban streets, are particularly common, emphasizing the need for road safety initiatives and better driver awareness.

Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in car crashes compared to other age groups, primarily due to inexperience, riskier behaviors, and a higher likelihood of speeding or distracted driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens, with drivers aged 16-19 being nearly three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than those 20 and older. In 2021, over 2,000 teens aged 13-19 were killed in car crashes, and hundreds of thousands were injured. Factors like nighttime driving, not wearing seatbelts, and alcohol consumption further increase the risks for teen drivers, making this demographic a key focus for traffic safety efforts.

Here are a few organizations focused on teen driving safety, both in Arizona and nationwide:

Arizona-based:

1. Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS)

   • Website: https://gohs.az.gov
   • The GOHS promotes teen driving safety through education programs, awareness campaigns, and grants for local safety initiatives.

2. Driving MBA (Arizona)

   • Website: https://drivingmba.com
   • A driving school offering comprehensive teen driver education programs, including behind-the-wheel training and defensive driving courses.

3. Impact Teen Drivers (Arizona Chapter)

   • Website: https://www.impactteendrivers.org
   • Focuses on reducing teen driver crashes through education, promoting safe driving habits, and advocating against reckless and distracted driving.

Nationwide:

1. National Safety Council - Teen Driving

   • Website: https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/teen-driving
   • Offers resources and programs to help teens and parents navigate safe driving practices and reduce crash risks.