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TAYLORSVILLE — As we head into a big, busy day with an Olympic announcement and hopeful celebration, marathon and a holiday on top of all that, Utah officials are urging everyone to pay attention behind the wheel.
This comes as a record number of people lost their lives on Utah roads last week.
Utah Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety officials were hopeful going into this holiday week as yearly fatalities were down about 14% lower than the year before.
Taking a turn, last weekend, 12 people were killed in a week..
"This last weekend alone, we had three fatal crashes losing a total of seven people. Two double fatals, and one triple fatal crash last weekend alone," said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden.
By the numbers
During this summer alone, there have been 49 fatal crashes causing 54 fatalities on Utah roads.
This year, 145 lives have been lost.
The spike in dangerous and deadly outcomes on our roads comes just over halfway during the 100 Deadliest Days, the time frame between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, when the state usually sees traffic fatalities go up.
In 2024, UDOT and the Department of Public Safety said the Top 5 components of deadly crashes included motorcycles, pedestrians, older drivers, speed and drugs.
There have been 12 fatal motorcycle crashes from Memorial Day to now. For motorcycles, that is up from the last five years.
Whether you're getting out of town or hauling something bigger than usual, save peace of mind in securing your load.
"You're tying down and securing your cargo. If you're going out camping, make sure you have a tarp over your truck — the bed of the truck — because anything you put in there, there's a sense, 'Hey, if you know, even if I'm just going around the corner, it's gonna be safe,'" said John Gleason, UDOT public relations director.
This is a time UDOT and DPS said they see crashes and fatalities peak.
With alcohol a part of celebrations for many, they are reiterating having a plan in place for a safe ride home beforehand.
