- Utah law enforcement is highlighting pedestrian safety during the fall and winter months.
- Since Nov. 23, four pedestrian fatalities have occurred in dark conditions in Utah.
- The Department of Public Safety stresses drivers' and pedestrians' shared responsibility to prevent crashes and fatalities.
WEST VALLEY CITY — With earlier sunsets, busy shopping centers during the holidays and people out after dark, Utah safety officials say the state is entering the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians.
In fact, four pedestrians have been hit and killed in the state since Nov. 23, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. All of them were in dark or low-light conditions.
Nine pedestrians were killed statewide last December, with eight of those deaths happening in the dark.
The Utah Department of Public Safety and police department officials urged Utahns not to let what they call "the season of light become a season of loss," at a press conference on Thursday in West Valley City. They also debuted a new statewide safety video showing how invisible a person can be at night, unless they are wearing reflective gear or using a light.
Pedestrian fatalities in Utah consistently rise during the fall and winter, with December ranking among the worst months, according to newly released fact sheets.
So far in 2025, Utah has recorded 35 pedestrian fatalities and 976 pedestrian-involved crashes. More than half of those crashes occurred at intersections or in marked crosswalks. Officials said the top contributing factors include drivers failing to yield the right of way and pedestrians crossing improperly or assuming they have the right of way.
Troopers emphasized there is a "shared responsibility" mentality between drivers and pedestrians is the key to reducing crashes.
"We feel that this is an urgent public safety need," Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Alexander said. "Especially in these winter months when the sun is at a low angle, it can create some glare and a little bit of difficulty that way."
West Valley City Police detective Mike Millett said officers don't want holiday gatherings to turn into tragedies. Three pedestrians were killed in West Valley last year.
"Our holiday season is a season of joy, a season of happiness, and we truly want it to be a joyful day. We don't want to gather together for a horrific event," he said, adding that preventing pedestrian deaths isn't something law enforcement can solve on its own.
"It is something that we, not one of us, can solve by ourselves," Millet said. "So, we need everybody to take care of this."
During a demonstration on Thursday, officers showed how quickly a person can disappear from view when they're wearing dark clothing outside at night. Even in a crosswalk, pedestrians can become nearly invisible until a vehicle is dangerously close.
A variety of inexpensive reflective items, such as LED clips, reflective tags, slap bracelets and small flashlights, are designed to help drivers see people earlier.
"We don't want to lose any more lives," Alexander said. "Something as simple as a $2 reflective clip or turning on your phone light can help drivers see you from a distance. Please, talk with your kids, your parents, and your neighbors. These steps are easy, and they save lives."
A statewide pedestrian safety enforcement effort is underway through Jan. 3, involving 10 agencies working 120 additional shifts with a focus on crosswalks, lighting conditions and high-risk areas.
Safety tips for drivers and pedestrians
DPS recommends the following:
For pedestrians:
- Wear reflective gear or carry a flashlight.
- Use crosswalks and push the button for more crossing time.
- Make eye contact with drivers — never assume you're seen.
- Walk predictably and avoid diagonal crossings unless designed for it.
For drivers:
- Slow down and stay patient, especially around shopping areas.
- Stay alert and sober; distractions and impairment reduce reaction time.
- Always stop for pedestrians, even when you have the right-of-way.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped in a travel lane until you know whether it's yielding to a pedestrian.
