As we gear up for the last hurrah of summer this Labor Day weekend, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) have released some sobering numbers. The preliminary data indicates that during the 100 Deadliest Days, the timespan from Memorial Day to Labor Day when road fatalities typically spike, there has been an uptick in traffic deaths in Utah. This season, the death toll on Utah's highways reached 95, a significant jump from last summer's 81 fatalities. According to UDOT, the authorities are calling on all drivers to consciously choose to drive safer, especially during the upcoming busy weekend.
UDOT's Traffic and Safety Director, Robert Miles, emphasized, "It’s more important than ever to focus on safe driving," as per UDOT. His words not only serve as a caution but also as a reminder that many of these incidents are preventable. The summer has been particularly fatal for single-vehicle and single-occupant incidents, pointing to behaviors like distraction, speeding, drowsiness, and impairment that are well within a driver's ability to correct. Motorcyclists have been urged to take responsibility for their safety and to be more visible, hone riding skills, and practice defensive driving.
An alarming rise in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes was another key finding from this summer’s preliminary data. These incidents often occurred without the involvement of other vehicles, putting the onus on motorcyclists themselves. Further exacerbating the issue, pedestrian fatalities have also surged, particularly in July. The advice is clear: drivers and pedestrians must collectively be more vigilant to avoid tragedy.
In the face of these grim statistics, UDOT and DPS are reinforcing the basic tenets of traffic safety. "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, as noted by UDOT. This statement extends beyond seatbelt usage to include advocating for breaks from driving, putting phones away, and maintaining composure behind the wheel. The goal is not to simply look out for oneself but to actively ensure the safety of everyone on the road, and to regularly plan for a sober ride home.
