AJ Law, PLC – Glendale 5800 W Glenn Dr. Suite 130 Glendale, AZ 85301 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1280
AJ Law, PLC – Bullhead City 2580 AZ-95 #108, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Open 24/7 (602) 507-9901
AJ Law, PLC – Tucson 300 N Main Ave #102, Tucson, AZ 85701 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1933
In early 2026, the Arizona Legislature introduced HB 2684, a significant bill that would require employers to develop written heat-illness mitigation programs when temperatures reach 80°F or above, including mandates for free drinking water, preventive rest periods, and access to shade. The bill comes as Arizona continues to grapple with a traffic safety crisis: statewide pedestrian crashes increased 35% over five years, from 1,538 in 2020 to 2,079 in 2024, with 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurring in dark or low-light conditions. High-risk Phoenix corridors, including Grand Avenue (SR-60) & I-17 near the “Stack” interchange, remain flashpoints for catastrophic pedestrian injuries. April in Phoenix marks the beginning of our “danger season.” As temperatures climb, both workers and pedestrians face unique risks. HB 2684 is an important step in protecting outdoor laborers, but it also highlights a growing personal injury concern: heat-related negligence. At AJ Law, PLC, we believe every worker deserves a safe environment. Under HB 2684, employers would be required to provide free drinking water near worksites, allow employees to rest without penalty when showing signs of heat stress, and maintain access to shade with acclimatization procedures. If an employer fails to meet these standards and a worker suffers heatstroke or a related injury, that employer may face significant liability. Note: As of April 2026, HB 2684 remains a proposed bill and has not yet been signed into law. We are actively monitoring its progress through the Arizona Legislature. Regardless of its final status, employers should be aware that ADOT’s Workplace Heat Safety Task Force has already issued formal recommendations, and those standards can still factor into negligence claims under existing Arizona law.
Why Phoenix Intersections Remain Deadly
Despite the “Vision Zero” initiative Phoenix adopted in 2022, with the goal of eliminating all traffic deaths by 2050, the results have been mixed. Phoenix recorded 278 traffic deaths in 2024, an improvement from 307 in 2023, but the city still ranks among the highest in traffic fatality rates among major U.S. cities. The program has received $10 million annually to fund intersection improvements, lighting, and new crosswalks. Statewide data puts the risk in sharp relief: 76% of Arizona pedestrian fatalities occur in dark or low-light conditions, making nighttime visibility a life-or-death issue on Phoenix streets. Arizona pedestrian crashes rose 35% over the past five years, a trend that outpaces population growth. Grand Avenue (SR-60) carries the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the Phoenix metro, while I-17 near the “Stack” interchange consistently ranks among the most dangerous corridors.
How AJ Law, PLC Supports the Phoenix Community
– For Workers: We are monitoring the progress of HB 2684 and the implementation of the Arizona Workplace Heat Safety Task Force recommendations to ensure your rights are protected, whether or not the bill becomes law. – For Pedestrians: We specialize in low-light and nighttime liability cases, proving that a driver’s failure to yield or maintain proper speed in dark conditions was the primary cause of an accident. Stay hydrated and stay visible. If you or a loved one has been affected by workplace negligence or a street-level accident in the Phoenix area, contact AJ Law, PLC for a free consultation. Reach out to AJ Law, PLC for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area and communities across Arizona, with offices in Glendale, Bullhead City, and Tucson.
AJ Law, PLC – Phoenix 7201 N 7th St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85020 Open 24/7 (602) 671-2363
AJ Law, PLC – Glendale 5800 W Glenn Dr. Suite 130 Glendale, AZ 85301 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1280
AJ Law, PLC – Bullhead City 2580 AZ-95 #108, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Open 24/7 (602) 507-9901
AJ Law, PLC – Tucson 300 N Main Ave #102, Tucson, AZ 85701 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1933
