WILDLIFE

UHP urging drivers to be more focused after fatal crash near Farr West

May 24, 2023, 7:30 PM

Officials with the DWR are urging motorists this Memorial Day weekend to be on the lookout for deer and other wildlife. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

BY MARK JONES

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — In wake of Wednesday morning’s fatal car crash near Farr West on I-15 that claimed the lives of three people, the Utah Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to remain focused on their driving and limit distractions.

Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic discussed the tragic crash Wednesday morning on Dave & Dujanovic.

“How many times have we been in that very situation where we either hit a deer or we come close to hitting a deer,” Noriega said. “And it’s not just through the canyons, it’s I-15, it’s busy highways. It’s in your neighborhoods. You just never know when that deer is gonna bound out.”

Sgt. Cameron Roden, with the Utah Highway Patrol, joined the show to discuss tips for motorists.

“It’s a good reminder for us to always be watching out for deer and things. Even when we’re outside of those canyon areas,” Roden said. “And in urban areas as well.

Drivers remain focused, limit distractions

Noriega asked, “What do you recommend when we come upon a deer or maybe hit one?”

“The best thing for us to do is always make sure that our attention is on driving and limiting distractions,” Roden said. “Because we need to make sure that focus is on driving to be able to spot hazards like that as quickly as possible. And always watch our speed too.”

Noriega asked, “I would imagine swerving unexpectedly probably has as many scary consequences as hitting the deer. What are you supposed to do?”

Roden says no matter how cautious the driver is, sometimes hazards such as a deer come out of nowhere and are sudden.

“You have to gauge for yourself whether swerving is not the best option,” Roden said. “Because there may be times where hitting the deer or something like that may be the better option. Instead of losing control and rolling your car or things like that.”

Listen to the entire segment.

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

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