UDOT warns people of the dangers of road debris
Nov 27, 2024, 6:00 AM
Ameris Jensen picks up a trash and roadside debris along eastbound I-215 between Redwood Road and I-15 in Murray on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. UDOT warns people to avoid letting debris fall from their cars onto the road. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — As traffic picks up for the holidays, the Utah Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to secure car loads to prevent crashes.
UDOT spokesperson John Gleason says over a thousand crashes happen every year due to debris on Utah’s roads.
“We see about 1,800 crashes that are a result of debris in the road. That’s people that are swerving and maybe run into a wall or people that hit the debris head on,” he said.
Gleason said maintenance crews and Utah Highway Patrol troopers are often left to pick up the objects. This not only puts them in danger, but costs $2.5 million dollars every year for their time and service.
“That’s money that could be spent in other areas, but it’s important to keep the roads clear and we’re going to do our part to do that… to clear the road.”
Gleason says they have picked up everything from couches to ladders and tires.
“We once assembled an entire living room set with the debris that we found.”
