Daily Archives: June 1, 2016

Fatal off-highway vehicle accident a reminder to practice OHV safety

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ride safely by remembering to always wear a helmet.

The reminder comes after a 60-year-old grandfather died when the side-by-side OHV he was driving rolled off the side of a mountain near Lake Havasu City after 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Neither the man nor his passenger, a juvenile who is the man’s grandson, were wearing helmets.

“Our condolences go out to the family,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “It is critically important for everyone to wear a helmet every time they ride an OHV. The sad reality is that many of these crashes are survivable, if only they were wearing a helmet.”

Helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. They are also strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition, riders should remember to:

  • Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Bear claws camper near Cherry Creek in Young

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PHOENIX — A man in his 20s was injured early this morning when a bear scratched him through his sleeping bag in a dispersed camping area near Cherry Creek in Young, Ariz.

The bear was investigating the man’s camp and was thought to have injured the man when the animal pawed at the sleeping bag. Bear spray was used and the animal retreated.

The man was seen at a local hospital and released.

Based on the injuries and description, Arizona Game and Fish Department officers believe the bear was small and possibly young.

The camp area is used by the Anasazi Foundation as part of its program. After the incident, other campers and Anasazi members advised Game and Fish officers that several bears had been seen in the campground area over the Memorial Day weekend. At least three different bears were identified by the campers as coming into camp and raiding food sources, and not fully retreating when bear spray was used. Campers did not notify officials of this bear activity, vacate the area or remove the food sources after the sightings.

Arizona Game and Fish has a highly-trained team investigating the situation and will set traps in the vicinity to attempt to capture the offending bears. The department also will work with the Tonto National Forest on possible area closures.

If the offending bear(s) is captured, it will be lethally removed because of the habituated behavior it demonstrated and the public safety threat it poses.

The department asks that any nuisance bear activity be immediately reported to Game and Fish or local officials and recommends that all campers take a few simple precautions to protect both people and bears, including securing all potential food sources. Campsite food sources can include uncleaned BBQs, used plates, discarded wrappers, food stores and pet food. Bears have a very keen sense of smell – approximately seven times better than a bloodhound and 100 times better than a human.

Take these immediate steps to minimize bear encounters and keep wildlife wild:

•    Keep a clean camp. Store food items and trash away from your tent or sleeping area. Even an empty food wrapper can attract a bear from a long distance.
•    Wash up before going to bed to eliminate odors.
•    Put food waste and garbage in a secure location such as a bear-proof dumpster.
•    Carry bear spray.
•    Encourage others to take these precautions. Discouraging bears from a campground requires everyone do their part.

If you encounter a bear, try to scare the bear away by making yourself look as large as possible, making loud noises and throwing objects towards it. Do not run. In the rare event of a black bear attack, fight back aggressively and use bear spray.

Arizona has had one fatal bear attack, which occurred in Pinetop in 2011. However, there are numerous reports each year of bears in close proximity to humans that could lead to serious injury or even death.

For more information or questions on living with bears and keeping wildlife wild, visit the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife.

Arizona’s Free Fishing Day means family fun

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PHOENIX — You can fish Arizona waters for free this Saturday, making this an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and relaxing outdoor recreation.

Arizona’s Free Fishing Day will be celebrated on June 4 this year as part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 4-12. This Saturday, no fishing licenses are required for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona.

“Whether you’re an experienced angler who wants to introduce a newcomer to the sport, or someone who’s always been interested but never took that next step, this is an ideal time to gather up some friends and family members and head out to your nearest community lake, or head up to the cooler country to fish a lake or stream,” said Nick Walter, editor of the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report.

Remember that bag limits and other fishing regulations are in full effect and must be observed on Free Fishing Days. Kids under the age of 10 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption day means that the older kids and parents get a free pass for the day.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will also sponsor some free fishing day clinics/events to give people the opportunity to try out this fun, family-oriented pastime. Loaner fishing rods, bait and instruction are provided for free at most of these venues.

Times and locations of the events are:

Saturday, June 4:

  • Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, 7-10 a.m.
  • Goldwater Lake, 2900 S. Goldwater Lake Rd., Prescott, 9 a.m. 1- p.m. The Mora National Fish Hatchery in New Mexico will be providing retired Gila trout broodstock for the clinic, and there is potential to catch a world record Gila trout. The record is 3 pounds, 7 ounces caught by Bo Nelson from Frye Mesa Reservoir on March 19, 2011.
  • Deadhorse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, middle lagoon, 8 a.m.-noon. Entrance fees for participants are waived during this time period only. Channel catfish will be stocked prior to the event.
  • Garrett Tank, approximately 12 miles east of Seligman off of Crookton Road, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to public. No signups.
  • Dogtown Lake, 1250 Pine Top Dr., Williams, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 11:

I-11 public comment period begins; six meetings planned for June

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PHOENIX — With six public meetings scheduled in June and an opportunity for the public to contribute in other ways, Arizonans can help shape the next step in planning for the proposed Interstate 11 as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves ahead on a three-year environmental study for a corridor stretching from Nogales to Wickenburg.

Planned as much more than a highway, I-11 is envisioned as a multimodal corridor connecting Arizona with regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for mobility, trade, job growth and economic competitiveness.

ADOT has opened a 45-day comment period allowing Arizonans to provide input on the I-11 study area, a process known as public scoping. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and share comments about topics such as potential locations for the I-11 corridor, environmental considerations, impact on wildlife habitats or cultural resources, and possible opportunities for other transportation modes, such as rail, that may be considered.

“The progress on the Interstate 11 study shows ADOT’s commitment to establish a key border-to-border corridor and a trade route with Mexico that will continue our state’s efforts to boost commerce, job growth and economic development,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We have the support of partner agencies throughout the study corridor who realize the benefits that I-11 can bring in terms of competitiveness, regional and global connections, and business opportunities through this new freight and travel route.”

The recommended I-11 corridor would likely follow US 93 from the Hoover Dam bypass bridge south to Wickenburg. The 280-mile corridor that is the focus of the current environmental study begins in Wickenburg and runs west of the Phoenix metropolitan area and then south to the Tucson area and then Nogales.

Publishing a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, kicks off the formal environmental study process, as ADOT works to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to select an I-11 corridor alternative between Nogales and Wickenburg.

Six public meetings are scheduled in the study area:

Wednesday, June 8
Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center – Dining Room
405 E. Sixth St.
Casa Grande

Wednesday, June 15
Buckeye Community Center – Multipurpose Room
201 E. Centre Ave.
Buckeye

Tuesday, June 21
Nogales High School – Cafeteria
1905 N. Apache Blvd.
Nogales

Wednesday, June 22
Arizona Riverpark Inn
777 W. Cushing St.
Tucson

Thursday, June 23
Marana Middle School – Gymnasium
11285 W. Grier Rd.
Marana

Wednesday, June 29
Wickenburg Community Center
160 N. Valentine St.
Wickenburg

All meetings run from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m. The same information will be presented at each meeting.

Those interested in commenting on the study but are unable to attend a public meeting are encouraged to visit the study website at i11study.com/Arizona and complete an online survey. All feedback, questions and comments will be considered part of the study, are entered into the project record and will help shape the proposed I-11 corridor.

In March, ADOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, launched the three-year study. Until now, a process called pre-scoping has included meetings with federal, state and local governments, resource agencies and planning organizations within the study corridor.

The first step in the study is developing an Alternatives Selection Report to assess a wide range of corridor alternatives and options, along with opportunities and constraints. A Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement will evaluate in greater detail a smaller number of corridor alternatives, including segments that may advance as independent improvements or projects. There will be a no-build alterative as well.

Input from the public, communities and other stakeholders will contribute to these two reports, as well as a Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement that will list a selected corridor alternative.

In November 2014, the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation completed a two-year feasibility study as the first step in the Interstate 11 process. In December 2015, Congress formally designated Interstate 11 from north to south in Arizona through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. While the designation doesn’t include funding, it does make the corridor eligible for federal funding in the future.

During the next three years, the public, communities and other stakeholders will have opportunities to comment through regular meetings, community events and other forums. Right now, comments can be sent to:

Online survey: i11study.com/Arizona/
Email: I-11ADOTStudy@hdrinc.com
Toll-free bilingual telephone hotline: 1-844-544-8049
Mail:

Interstate 11 Tier 1 EIS Study Team
c/o ADOT Communications
1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information about the I-11 study, visit i11study.com/Arizona.

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 895 in 2015

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PHOENIX — Motor vehicle crashes on local roads and highways across the state claimed the lives of 895 people in 2015, 121 more than the year before, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

The statistical report summing up data provided by law enforcement agencies around the state provides some sobering information about motor vehicle crashes last year, including the 15.6 percent increase in fatalities, compared to 774 deaths that occurred in 2014. The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006.

The numbers highlight how better decisions can save lives when it comes to the following factors, some of which can apply to the same crashes:

  • 313 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt, child safety device or helmet, which represents a 17.7 percent increase from 2014.
  • 300 of those killed were involved in crashes related to exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions, a 25.5 percent increase from 2014.
  • 295 of those killed were involved in alcohol-related crashes, a 9.7 percent increase from 2014.

“One death will always be too many, and there are things all drivers can do to reduce the number of crash deaths, starting with buckling up, obeying speed limits and reducing speed when conditions warrant,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

“When you are behind the wheel, job number one is driving – not looking at your phone, not reading, not personal grooming, not anything that takes your attention away from the road. It is dangerous and disrespectful for everyone sharing the road with you. Just drive!” said Halikowski.

Total crashes in the state rose to 116,609 in 2015 from 109,664 the year before. Total injuries rose as well, with 53,554 in 2015 compared to 50,988 in 2014.

After falling every year since 2011, alcohol-related crashes rose slightly to 4,941 in 2015 from 4,906 the year before, while the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes rose to 295 last year from 269 in 2014. According to the Crash Facts report, 16.2 percent of drivers in fatal crashes last year had been drinking, while 4.8 percent of drivers in fatal crashes appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

“It’s tragic and frustrating to see increases in fatalities involving impaired driving,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “We’ll never stop efforts to get people to do the right thing, including arranging for a designated driver. And we’ll fully back law enforcement and their dedication to getting impaired drivers off the road.”

Speed and aggressive driving remained key factors contributing to crashes, with 17 percent of drivers in fatal crashes going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit. The report also shows 38 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes were going too fast for conditions or exceeding the speed limit.

“Without a doubt, the number of crash fatalities would be dramatically reduced if more drivers would slow down and obey speed limits,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Our troopers are focused on stopping aggressive speeders. Changing bad driving behaviors is a key to highway safety.”

Motorcycle fatalities in Arizona rose to 134 in 2015 from 128 the year before. Twenty-nine bicyclists died in crashes during 2015, the same number as the year before, though the number of crashes involving bicycles fell to 1,434 last year from 1,744 in 2014.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, also noted the increase in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts or other safety devices, which rose from 266 in 2014 to 313 last year.

“Accidents happen when we least expect it,” said Dr. Christ. “These numbers show how important it is to make sure you and all your passengers are buckled in properly to reduce the risk of serious injury or worse.”

The number of pedestrians killed in crashes rose to 161 in 2015 from 155 the year before, though crashes involving pedestrians declined to 1,399 from 1,565 in 2014.

Here are other figures from the 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.79 hours.
  • 471 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 424 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 77.9 percent occurred in urban areas and 22.1 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 56.4 percent occurred in urban areas and 43.6 occurred in rural areas.
  • Nearly three-quarters of all crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2015 with 19,971, while the most fatal crashes – 154 – occurred on Saturdays.
  • Thanksgiving was the deadliest holiday weekend last year, with 16 motor-vehicle fatalities.
  • Motor vehicle crashes resulted in $3.82 billion in economic losses for Arizona last year.

The ADOT 2015 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Warmer conditions allow Bert Fire to grow while meeting objectives

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bert-fire-1VALLE — With warmer and drier conditions, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has increased to 130 acres in size and is expected to grow larger over the next several days. Fire officials have identified a planning area within which to allow the fire to move safely to the south and west of Ebert Mountain near the point of origin in order to reduce hazardous fuels and improve grassland conditions.

Today, crews will continue preparation work which will include securing roadways, archaeological sites, range fences, power lines and any other potentially fire-sensitive resources within the established boundaries for the fire. Some techniques used will involve removing burnable materials away from these features as well as conducting burn out operations along roadways to stop fire as it approaches. Among several objectives identified, managers have recognized a predefined planning area for grassland restoration within the fire area.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to enhance this grassland restoration project area using fire as an effective tool,” said Deirdre McLaughlin, lands and minerals staff officer for the Williams Ranger District.

Smoke from the Bert Fire may become prominent as it increases in activity and continues to grow, and will be visible from the surrounding communities and highways. Winds are expected to be northwest moving smoke away from developed residential neighborhoods and be pushed toward the southeast with good ventilation. The public is urged to use caution while driving along Highway 64 and Highway 180 during the cooler early morning hours when smoke may be lower due to inversion. No closures are currently anticipated in the area of the fire.

The Bert Fire, discovered May 29th was caused by lightning and has grown to approximately 130 acres. It is located near the junction of forest road 144 and highway 180 approximately 10 miles southeast of the community of Valle.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4751/; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.