8 of 16 fatalities in the last week were speed-related, 6 on motorcycles
| {Salt Lake City, Utah – July 30, 2024} – The Utah Department of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Office is conducting a Speed Enforcement Campaign to encourage Utahns to travel safely by reducing alarming speed and aggressive driving trends this summer. Officers from 39 police agencies across the state are participating in over 385 additional shifts this month focused on speed enforcement and preventing speed-related crashes. Tragically, preliminary reports show that eight of the sixteen traffic fatalities since Pioneer Day were speed-related. NHTSA considers a crash speeding-related if the driver is charged with a speeding-related offense or if the responding officer indicates the driver was driving too fast for the conditions at the time or exceeded the posted speed limit. Research by the Utah Highway Safety Office discovered that when comparing the 5-year average from 2018-2022 to 2023, Utah experienced a 10.7% increase in speed-related crashes. An alarming trend in these crashes is that 50% of speed-related crashes in Utah involve young drivers under age 24. Additionally, 20% of related fatalities involve teens aged 16-19. Between July 22nd and 31st, State DOTs and Highway Safety Offices joined NHTSA Region 8 and three surrounding states to remind drivers to slow down and drive alert. Drivers saw variable message signs and digital billboards reminding them to slow down, while law enforcement cited violators. Utah Speeding, By The Numbers: In July, 39 agencies participated in 385 additional speed enforcement shifts. UHP alone made 10,374 speed contacts throughout the state. 203 stops were for 100mph+, and 108 stops were for reckless driving over 105mph. Extreme speeds are unacceptable and dangerous, and Driving at high rates of speed is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to serious injury and fatal crashes for drivers of all ages. Speeding or traveling too fast for the conditions on the highway has been cited as a primary contributing factor in 30% of all fatal crashes in Utah since January 2019.In the last five years, 70% of speed-related crashes involved drivers under age 30. Nearly 60% of speed-related crashes involved vehicles moving too fast for conditions.Speed-related crashes spike at 8 am and 5 pm daily. 50% of speed-related crashes in Utah involve young drivers under age 24.20% of speed-related fatalities involve teens aged 16-19. In 2024, 26.1% of speed-related crashes involved teen drivers.In 2023, Utah roads had almost 9,300 speed-related crashes. (5,034 crashes in 2024 YTD)In 2024, 38 people have died in speed-related crashes in Utah. YTD In 2024, UHP has made over 71,000 speed-related contacts. Speeding is more than just breaking a traffic law. The consequences are far-ranging:Greater potential for loss of vehicle controlReduced effectiveness of seat belts & child safety seatsIncreased stopping distance after the driver perceives a dangerIncreased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuriesEconomic implications of a speed-related crashIncreased fuel consumption/costsCourt and vehicle impound fees. |
| Media Contact: Jason Mettmann Communications Manager Utah Highway Safety Office [email protected] 801-664-7899 |