Utah’s 100 deadliest days of summer begins Memorial Day weekend
May 21, 2026, 1:23 PM
UDOT used electronic signs in hopes more people will notice and heed the safety messages. New messages were posted every Monday during the "100 deadliest days" in 2015. (Brandon Whitworth, Deseret News)
(Brandon Whitworth, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is headed into the 100 deadliest days of summer, so if you’re hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, don’t become another statistic.
The 100 deadliest days of summer officially starts on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day, according to the National Road Safety Foundation.
“(Those days) are nationally known as the most dangerous time for teen drivers,” the safety foundation said. “Studies by AAA indicate a sharp increase in fatal crashes with teen drivers behind the wheel. According to the CDC, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash during this period. ”
Teen drivers can be less experienced with driving and are more likely to be distracted, causing 60% of crashes that involve teenagers.
Other factors in the 100 deadliest days of summer include school officially being out for the summer, speeding and even drunk driving.
“Even though the national drinking age is 21, some teens still drink and drive,” the safety foundation stated. “In 2022, 30% of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in crashes had BACs of .01 g/dL or higher.”
The Utah Department of Public Safety advised anyone who drinks not to drive.
“Every instance of impaired driving is 100% preventable,” DPS said. “If you plan on drinking, do not get behind the wheel. Options for a safe and sober ride include designated drivers, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, calling a friend, or taking public transit.”
In August 2025, UDOT and DPS pushed the message of safe driving after the state saw an 18% decrease in summer fatalities. Jason Mettmann, DPS communications manager said motorcycles were a challenge last year, and reminded people to give motorcyclists space on the roads, and for motorcyclists to wear protective gear.
Along with being cautious while driving, UDOT advised people to “wear a seatbelt, follow the speed limit, drive sober, stay alert and put distractions away.”
Especially if traveling on Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon, sometimes considered one of Utah’s deadliest roads, drivers should expect some traffic during the Memorial Day weekend.
If you’re making your way to Moab through the canyon plan on up to 90 minute delays through the construction near the Thistle Junction, where traffic will be down to one lane in each direction.
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