Utah sees spike in hit-and-run crashes

SALT LAKE CITY — There’s been a rash of hit-and-run crashes around the Salt Lake Valley this week and officials say the statewide numbers are concerning. 

Jason Mettmann with the Utah Highway Safety Office told Utah’s Morning News that the state had 230 hit-and-runs with pedestrians last year and this year isn’t off to a good start.

“These numbers are just unacceptable. We had 56 total crashes involving hit-and-run pedestrians just this year in the first three months of  2025.”

Just last night, a person on a motorcycle was hit and killed. Also this week, a teen was hit while riding an e-bike and another was hit while on a scooter.

n each case, the driver drove off before police arrived.

“Many people, we find that, leave the scene of a crash, maybe they don’t have a driver’s license or insurance. Maybe they’re impaired. Maybe they don’t know what to do. They don’t know that they’re required to stop.”

Mettmann said Utah law requires you to report these incidents.

“You need to report these to police and have things checked out and documented properly. It’s always going to be a good idea for your uh, safety and for the pedestrian safety as well.”

Preventing auto-pedestrian crashes

Mettmann said there are more people out with the warmer weather and drivers need to be alert behind the wheel.

According to Mettmann, over 50% of auto-pedestrian crashes involve drivers not yielding the right of way.

“A lot of these drivers are not obeying the signs and signals that are out there on the roadway, whether that’s signage or lighting or crosswalk behavior.”

Pedestrians can also take steps to prevent crashes.

“Please make sure that you’re using the system properly. Cross at a crosswalk. Check for oncoming traffic. Make sure you’re visible and wear reflective clothing so that you can be seen in low light.”

Pedestrians and drivers should remember to share the road in order to stay safe, Mettmann said.