Police urge road safety after a spike in traffic fatalities

SALT LAKE CITY —  A spike in traffic fatalities has led police to urge drivers to be safe on the roads ahead of Pioneer Day.

This past week, 12 people died on Utah roads, marking one of the deadliest weeks in almost two years. Lt. Cameron Roden of the Utah Highway Patrol said it’s concerning given we’re heading into a holiday when they typically see more fatal crashes.

The spike comes during Utah’s “100 Deadliest Days,” which is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities tend to increase. 

Roden said they were hopeful earlier in the summer when traffic deaths were about 14% lower than usual. However, this past week there was a surge in crash-related deaths.

According to Roden, almost 150 people have died on our roads this year, 56 since Memorial Day weekend.

“We don’t want to lose anyone else throughout the summer. So if we can all work together, we want to make sure that everybody gets back to school, into the holiday season and everyone stays safe,” said Roden. 

In response to the increase in fatalities, UDOT and DPS urged everyone to drive safely by staying alert, buckling up, and putting away distractions. 

“We all need to take responsibility behind the wheel to keep each other safe this summer,” said UDOT Director of Traffic and Safety Director Robert Miles in the press release. “One small decision can have fatal consequences.”

Related reading:

• A Utah mother’s plea as the 100 Deadliest Days begin
• Governor talks record number of bills and safety on Utah roads
• Expect road closures in downtown Salt Lake on Pioneer Day