Tag Archives: Phoenix

Arizona, Republic of Korea now have driver license reciprocity

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PHOENIX – A new agreement between Arizona and the Republic of Korea allows Arizonans staying longer than a year to obtain driver licenses in that country without having to take written and road tests. Licensed drivers from South Korea will receive the same courtesy for stays in Arizona lasting more than a year.

On June 27, Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski and Key Cheol Lee, the Republic of Korea consul general in Los Angeles, signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing a reciprocity agreement.

“The Republic of Korea is a valued trading and cultural partner for our state,” Halikowski said. “We’re pleased to make it even easier to do business and study in Arizona while minimizing time spent at a Motor Vehicle Division office.”

Arizona has similar reciprocity with Germany and Taiwan, while reciprocity between Arizona and Canada exempts drivers from road tests but still requires the written test.

Long-term visitors from the Republic of Korea who are at least 18 years old can now exchange South Korean driver licenses for Arizona driver licenses. They must have documentation showing they will be here for at least a year and that they have at least six months remaining on their stays. ADOT will coordinate with South Korean officials to verify an applicant’s driving status.

American Red Cross asking for assistance

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PHOENIX – The American Red Cross is currently working with emergency managers in response to multiple wildfires throughout the state as well as numerous multi-family home fires. Currently, 88 Red Cross volunteers are mobilized and are responding to individual and community needs by providing shelter, meals, snacks, water, emergency supplies, and health services. Many of our dedicated volunteers are working multiple locations and long hours to provide the help needed in the communities affected.

Flo Hencken is just one example of a volunteer with a true American Red Cross spirit. Despite being evacuated by the Goodwin Fire herself, she has put on her Red Cross vest and is focused on helping her neighbors and community who have also been affected by the fire.

The American Red Cross needs your support. It is only through your generous donations that we are able to provide substantial financial assistance to the people affected by these disasters. Please consider donating, volunteering or giving blood. Every single dollar makes an impact. You can find your local chapter by visiting www.redcross.org.

Additional resources available: With evacuations in effect in some areas and potential evacuations in additional locations, the Red Cross recommends downloading the free Red Cross Wildfire App or Emergency App. http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps

Game and Fish develops proposed hunt guidelines

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on proposed hunt guidelines for the 2018-19 through 2022-23 hunting seasons.

The proposed guidelines were developed based on input received through written public comment and information gathered during a webinar and eight public meetings conducted statewide. The proposed guidelines can be viewed on the department’s website at http://azgfdportal.az.gov/hunting/guidelines (PDF).

Comments on the proposed guidelines may be submitted through August 2 to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by mail: Hunt Guidelines, Attn.: Amber Munig, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.). These recommendations result in the hunts in which licensed hunters may participate. While hunting opportunity is important, wildlife is held in the public trust; therefore, using science-based principles to shape the guidelines process remains paramount to ensure healthy, sustainable and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

“Your comments are important,” said Amber Munig, big game management supervisor. “The biological sideboards for managing wildlife and maintaining healthy, sustainable populations are fairly broad. Your input helps us fine-tune management within these sideboards. Please take a moment to give us your views.”

The final proposed hunt guidelines and all public comments, along with department responses to those comments, will be shared with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission at its September meeting in Flagstaff.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona. The conservation and management of the state’s game animals is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, tags, and matching funds from the Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax that hunters and manufacturers pay on guns, ammunition and other hunting/shooting-related equipment.

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

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PHOENIX – Traffic fatalities on Arizona’s local roads and state highways climbed higher for the second straight year and driver behavior continues to be a leading factor in motor vehicle collisions, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

In 2016, 962 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, 65 more than the year before, representing a 7.3 percent increase. The number of collisions also went up, rising 8.6 percent to 126,845. The increases in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in Arizona follow national trends.

The Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided to ADOT by law enforcement agencies around the state. A glance at the report reveals how better decisions made by motorists can save lives. Seat belts, speeding and reckless driving, and impairment are among the leading factors in traffic fatalities:

  • Buckle up – 250 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt.
  • Pay attention and obey speed limits – Speeding too fast for conditions is the most common driver violation and rear end is the most common manner of collision.
  • Don’t drive impaired – Annually, impaired driving crashes account for about 4 percent of all collisions and one-third of fatal collisions. Crashes involving impairment related to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication killed 406 people and injured 4,089 in 2016.

“Making travel safer begins before drivers turn the ignition,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Too many people make the deadly decision to drive impaired, whether by alcohol, prescription pills or other drugs, and put all of us at risk. None of us should accept this selfish behavior and it’s everyone’s business to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.”

For the second year in a row, 406 people were killed in impaired driving-related collisions. However, alcohol-related fatalities decreased – falling from 329 people killed in 2015 to 307 in 2016 – while fatalities related to illegal drugs or prescription medication increased – rising from 77 in 2015 to 99 people killed in 2016.

“The gains made in reducing alcohol-related crashes and fatalities are steps in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Driving impaired is a choice and people need to be aware that it’s a choice they don’t have to make – there are many other ways to get home safely.”

The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006. While collisions and fatalities have risen in recent years, 2016 totals are below where they were a decade ago, despite having nearly one million more licensed drivers and registered vehicles traveling today on Arizona’s roadways than in 2007.

“Impaired drivers continue to take the lives of our love ones and it is time for the community to spread the message that impaired driving is unacceptable,” said Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I call on every driver to call 911 if impaired driving is suspected. Friends and family members must make every effort to take the keys away from impaired individuals or to call 911 for help when intervening.”

Pedestrian-involved crashes and fatalities spiked in 2016. The number of pedestrians killed rose to 197 in 2016 from 163 the year before and crashes increased by 16 percent, from 1,408 in 2015 to 1,637 last year.

The number of motorcycle operators and passengers killed in traffic crashes went up in 2016 to 144 from 134 the year before.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, noted the decline in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts, which fell from 258 in 2015 to 250 last year.

“While we’re encouraged to see a decrease, one death is still too many,” said Dr. Christ. “Make sure everyone is buckled up every time, regardless of how far, fast or familiar your drive may be.”

Here are other figures from the 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • 574 fatal crashes occurred on other roadways, such as county roads or city streets, and 291 fatal crashes occurred on the state highway system.
  • 525 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 437 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 78.8 percent occurred in urban areas and 21.2 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 67 percent occurred in urban areas and 33 percent occurred in rural areas.
  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.11 hours.
  • Seven in 10 crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • More crashes occurred in March than any other month with 11,391.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2016 with 22,133, while the most fatal crashes – 150 – occurred on Saturdays.

The ADOT 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Life jacket exchange events taking place Saturday, July 8

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PHOENIX — Have an old, worn out life jacket? Swap it for a new one. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 8, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is holding life jacket exchange events at four locations throughout the state:

Lake Pleasant — 10-lane boat ramp
Canyon Lake — main ramp
Lake Powell — Wahweap Marina
Lake Havasu City — Windsor Beach

During the exchanges, people with old, worn and less-effective life jackets can swap them for a new life jacket, while supplies last.

It’s important that boaters check to ensure that all of their life jackets are in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for passengers. On average in Arizona, life jackets should be replaced every five years.

“While state law requires that anyone 12 and under must wear a life jacket when out on the water, it’s a good idea for all boat and watercraft users to wear one,” said Josh Hoffman, Boating Safety Education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Wear it. Don’t just store the life jacket on your boat to check the box.”

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that in 2016 there were 4,463 recreational boating accidents, involving 701 deaths nationwide. In cases where the cause of death was known, 80 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned and of those, 83 percent were not wearing a life jacket. In Arizona, there were five deaths from boating accidents last year.

“Wearing a life jacket could very well save your life,” Hoffman said.

For more information on boating safety or to register for a hands-on or online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating and click “Boating Safety Education.”

Drive carefully on SR 69 with firefighting still underway

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PHOENIX – While State Route 69 has reopened between Interstate 17 and State Route 169 near Prescott, drivers need to use caution as crews in the area continue fighting the Goodwin Fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Those using SR 69 through the affected area should slow down and watch out for vehicles and equipment entering and exiting the highway. In addition, windblown smoke can reduce visibility.

Other options for reaching the Prescott area from the Valley include taking SR 169 west from Interstate 17 or taking SR 89 north from US 93 via US 60 through Wickenburg. Because both SR 169 and SR 89 are one lane in each direction most of the way, heavy traffic can lead to slowing on those routes.

SR 69 closed Tuesday between Cordes Junction and SR 169 as the Goodwin Fire burned near Mayer. It reopened to all traffic Friday morning.

Initial assessments by ADOT suggest that only minimal fire damage occurred along SR 69. Approximately 20 guardrail posts were damaged when fire crossed the highway near Mayer. ADOT will conduct a full assessment once firefighting operations wind down.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

No highway construction closures during Independence Day weekend

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PHOENIX – During the Independence Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur.

Motorists will play key roles in keeping traffic moving, too, by making smart driving decisions that won’t result in serious crashes that ruin road trips and create travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through late Tuesday evening. Drivers are urged to use caution over the holiday weekend in existing work zones and in three “holiday travel corridors” that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays.

In an effort to reduce crashes and delays that result from speeding and driver inattention, speed limits will be lowered during peak holiday travel periods on a winding stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.

ADOT will reduce speed limits by 10 mph Friday, June 30, on northbound I-17 between New River and Sunset Point Rest Area. Speed limits on the same stretch of southbound I-17 will be reduced by 10 mph on Tuesday, July 4.

Temporary signs will advise drivers of the lower speed limits. For example, areas where the speed limit is ordinarily 65 mph will have a speed limit of 55 mph. Throughout the long weekend, temporary electronic signs will remind drivers how fast they are going.

By obeying speed limits, driving safely and not allowing impaired persons behind the wheel, travelers can reduce the chance of serious crashes that often create long travel delays and close highways. In 2016, 14 fatal crashes occurred during the holiday weekend – alcohol played a role in eight – that killed 16 people.

As they have during recent major holiday weekends, ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones: Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Along those routes, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, to minimize travel delays with faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles.

DPS will focus on preventing three leading causes of traffic deaths: speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat-belt use. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with state troopers, police officers and deputy sheriffs on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign.

No closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, but travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place. This includes a 30-mile stretch of I-40 east of Kingman and I-40 near Twin Arrows.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, drivers are encouraged to:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks.
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible.
  • Get plenty of rest before driving.
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels.

As summer temperatures soar, so does the potential of brush fires and wildfires occurring. Travelers can minimize the risk of fires along Arizona roads by not parking or driving in dry, tall grass; making sure trailer chains are secured and not dragging and emitting sparks; and never throwing cigarettes out the window.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

Agencies to conduct aerial survey of wild burros in North Valley

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AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will partner on an aerial survey of wild burros in and near the Lake Pleasant Herd Management Area beginning June 19.

Residents and recreationists in the North Valley area may see or hear a small, low-flying aircraft near Lake Pleasant and in areas east of I-17 between Anthem and Black Canyon City, south of Carefree Highway and the Loop 303 freeway; and west to areas near Morristown and Wickenburg.

“The main goal of these efforts is to ensure healthy ecosystems along with a safe environment for the public, employees, and public land users. Limiting the number of animal encounters with people and motor vehicles through better management of wild burro populations in our state can help achieve this goal,” said BLM Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas.

The survey is part of ongoing research studies to collect information to guide future management of wild burros in Arizona. These studies are part of vital partnership efforts between the BLM and state agencies to address the issue of overpopulation of wild burros in the state.

The aerial survey may take up to six days, during which the agencies will work to record the number and location of burros observed along pre-designated flight paths. Related to this survey, the AGFD is also embarking on a three-year study to evaluate the effects of burros on Arizona’s wildlife and their habitat. Information gained will further help inform the BLM’s management of wild burros in herd management areas.

Finding right outdoor skills event is a lot easier

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PHOENIX — When it comes to choosing a “how-to” outdoor skill event, one size does not fit all.

So, where does one begin? Look no further than the Arizona Game and Fish Department, along with its extensive network of partnering organizations, which offers dozens of events throughout the year to suit almost everyone’s needs through the Outdoor Skills Network.

Those events now appear in a new format, organized based on skill level and interest:

  • Introductory: No hunting or pursuit of wildlife, shooting lessons, instructional, typically one-day activity. Introductory – knowledge or information imparted.
  • Beginner: Basic take of wildlife, one-day event, pass shooting, species include dove, ducks, squirrel. Beginner – a person who is inexperienced, novice, a person who has begun a course of instruction or is learning the fundamentals.
  • Developing: Pursuit of wildlife, overnight events, remote locations, species include quail, rabbit, predators, javelina, turkey. Developing – one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers of a trade, art or calling.
  • Intermediate: Pursuit of more challenging species, deer, elk, stalking, remote locations, overnight, a lot of field time. Intermediate – applies some already learned basic skills to adapt and meet the next level of learning, skill development.
  • Experienced: Coming soon, minimal mentoring, base camps and “meet-ups.” Experienced – having knowledge or skill in a particular field, especially a profession or job, gained over a period of time.

“We are really excited with this new format,” said Doug Burt, the department’s hunting and shooting sports program manager. “We hope it’s better for the customer to find what’s right for them.

The new format can be found on pages 24-29 of the “2017-18 Arizona Hunting Regulations” and by visiting www.azgfd.gov/OutdoorSkills.

In an ongoing effort to better serve the public, the department recently launched a new online registration system. It’s a winning combination that’s customer-focused and mobile-friendly, as well as a time-saver.

Of course, event types and descriptions are merely guidelines. Most events offer activities that are suitable for all skill levels, from hunting, fishing and shooting to learning more about wildlife, habitat and conservation.

“In the end, we want the attendee to have the right expectations and the right experience,” Burt said. “That’s the key to keeping folks engaged in hunting and traditional outdoor recreation activities.”

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoors recreation participation in Arizona.

To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/federal-aid-cycle.shtml.

July 30 is deadline to apply for Local Sportsmen’s Group grants

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, hands-on projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers.

The priority funding focus of this year’s Local Sportsmen’s Group grants program is on hunter-angler development and retention through progressive skill development. A new category has been added for projects that provide a base camp or “meet-up” for experienced hunters or anglers from past projects who no longer need mentored training. These are individuals seeking social support, defined times, destinations and gatherings.

Projects and events that involve the pursuit or harvest of wildlife or fish with a license are being requested. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process and must be open to the public.

Doug Burt, the department’s hunting and shooting sports program manager, said there are many local organizations that do great work, but lack the funding to carry out the important mission of passing down the hunting and angling heritage to the next generation of wildlife conservationists and stewards.

“This grant program is an investment in local organizations that, day in and day out, are teaching people how to be safe, ethical and responsible hunter-angler conservationists,” Burt said.

To apply, download an application packet from https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/grant-program/. Completed applications should be submitted by e-mail to dburt@azgfd.gov, or mailed to Arizona Game and Fish Department, IEWR, Attn.: Local Sportsmen’s Grant Administrator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) July 30, 2017. Postmarks do not count.

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoors recreation participation in Arizona. To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit www.azgfd.gov/h_f/federal-aid-cycle.shtml.