MESA, Mesa County, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2026 — One woman died early Wednesday morning, September 16, after authorities say an impaired driver crashed into two vehicles stopped on US 60 in Mesa. The vehicles had pulled over for a flat tire, according to investigators.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety says the crash happened around 1 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of US 60 near Higley Road. Two vehicles had reportedly stopped along the right shoulder to deal with a flat tire. As they prepared to pull back onto the freeway, a third vehicle reportedly struck both cars.
A woman died at the scene, troopers said. Five other people were treated for injuries, according to authorities. The driver suspected of causing the crash suffered injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Authorities say the driver is suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash. DPS's vehicle crimes unit is handling the case.
The eastbound lanes of US 60 and the eastbound on-ramp at Higley Road were closed for several hours overnight and reopened before 7 a.m. Westbound lanes were not affected.
The collision remains under review. We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Where Freeway Shoulder Crashes Like This Tend to Happen
Crashes involving stopped vehicles concentrate on high-speed freeway segments where drivers have little time to react to something unexpected ahead. Shoulders on roads like US 60 sit close to travel lanes, and a car pulled over for a mechanical problem, a flat tire, or a stall becomes a stationary hazard drivers are not anticipating in the dark.
Overnight hours add another layer. Visibility drops, traffic volume is lower so drivers often relax and speed up, and any driver who is impaired or fatigued has less margin to notice brake lights or hazard flashers before closing the distance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities decreased 4.3 percent from 2022 to 2023. Even with that decline, crashes involving vehicles stopped on shoulders remain a recurring pattern on multi-lane freeways nationwide, particularly during nighttime hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal crashes like this investigated?
A specialized unit, in this case DPS's vehicle crimes team, typically documents the scene, interviews witnesses, and reviews evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and toxicology results before determining a cause.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Initial findings can take days, but full investigations, including toxicology and reconstruction reports, often take weeks or longer before any final determination or charges are announced.
What role does impaired driving play in freeway crashes?
Impairment reduces reaction time and judgment, which is particularly dangerous on freeways where vehicles are stopped or moving slowly on the shoulder. Authorities routinely test drivers suspected of impairment as part of standard crash investigations.
Where do fatal freeway crashes most often occur?
They cluster on high-speed corridors, especially near shoulders, ramps, and areas where stopped or slow-moving vehicles are not expected by approaching traffic.
What to Do After a Freeway Crash in Mesa, Arizona
If you're ever stopped on a freeway shoulder in Mesa, turn on hazard lights immediately and, if possible, move as far from traffic as you safely can. Call 911 to report the situation, even for something as routine as a flat tire, so authorities can help manage the scene.
Anyone involved in or affected by a freeway crash should seek medical evaluation promptly, even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours to become apparent. Keep a copy of any police report and follow up with authorities if new information becomes available during the investigation.
