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Team Coverage According to a report from the Utah Department of Transportation, nearly 300 people died on Utah roads last year--about the same number as the year before. But safety advocates say drivers can do more to bring that number down.
There are more people driving in Utah than ever before. Yet, the number of roadway fatalities is down since 2000. The state likes that trend, but thinks many more fatalities can be prevented.
Through the first half of 2007, fatal highway crashes in Utah surged. Multiple crashes with multiple fatalities set a pace for a 20-percent annual spike.
One weekend last summer, 10 people died in six crashes. But the year ended with two fewer fatalities than the previous year. "We're proud of that, but at the same time, we're concerned because we want the zero fatalities goal to happen," explained Adan Carrillo, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation.
In 2007, 285 people died on Utah roads--a 24 percent drop since 2000. The number leveled off in recent years, while Utah added 140,000 more cars to the roads.
Drunken driving deaths are down, and drowsy driving killed just as many. State troopers often see drowsy drivers on long trips on the interstates.
This past year, 44 people died on I-15. Officials say it's the most dangerous road in Utah partly because it's the heaviest traveled, but also because people aren't taking the proper precautions before driving.
"We see the distracted driving along the Wasatch Front with text messaging, talking on cell phones. They definitely contribute to all the fatalities," said Sgt. Jeff Nigbur, of the Utah Highway Patrol.
"Zero Fatalities": that's the state slogan that urges us all to stay alert, drive safely, and focus on the ultimate goal. "The question that we have for the public and everyone out there is: How many fatalities are acceptable in your family this year? And the answer should be zero," Carrillo said.
"We really need the public's help in trying to achieve this zero fatalities goal," Nigbur said.
It's a noble goal, but already this year 13 people have died on Utah highways. The Highway Patrol blames drowsy driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving, and not buckling up. One-hundred-fourteen of the people killed last year were not wearing seat belts.
