SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 29, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The state of Utah experienced a dramatic spike in traffic fatalities this summer.
Preliminary findings released by Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) reveal traffic fatality numbers for the 100 Deadliest Days, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, jumped an alarming 17.28% over the same period in 2023.
“Despite some positive trends, there has been a concerning number of crashes and fatalities. This summer, 95 people have lost their lives on Utah roads, compared to 81 fatalities last summer. With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, marking the close of the 100 Deadliest Days, UDOT and DPS are urging all Utahns to prioritize safe driving,” according to a UDOT press release.
“So many people will be out celebrating one of the last weekends of summer, and that brings a lot of extra traffic,” said Robert Miles, UDOT’s traffic and safety director. “It’s more important than ever to focus on safe driving.”
The joint study showed single-vehicle and single-occupant fatalities were especially high compared to the same time frame in 2023, with distracted driving, speeding, drowsiness, and impairment significant factors. “These behaviors that drivers have complete control over, and simple choices could prevent these crashes,” the UDOT release said.
Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes were also markedly higher, the report found.
“Motorcyclists must take responsibility for their safety — ensuring they are visible, honing their riding skills, and practicing defensive driving. While it is critical for drivers to remain alert and share the road with motorcyclists, most crashes involving motorcycles this summer have not involved another vehicle.”
Pedestrian fatalities also increased – especially in July.
“Drivers and pedestrians have a shared responsibility to look out for and help each other. Pedestrians need to make eye contact with drivers, and drivers must watch for pedestrians,” the UDOT release said.
“We want everyone to be bold enough to buckle up and demand that everyone in your car does the same,” said Jason Mettmann, DPS communications manager. “Make taking breaks and putting the phone down the norm. Be courteous enough to slow down and stay calm behind the wheel. Take responsibility for planning ahead and arranging for a safe and sober ride home. We all need to do a better job, not only looking out for ourselves but for everyone else on the road.”
UDOT and DPS remind all drivers to focus on the basics of safe driving — “wear your seat belt, follow the speed limit, drive sober, drive alert and drive calm,” the release said.
