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Sam Penrod reporting Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes on Utah's roads. But some bright signs starting to appear on I-15 may help to change that.
Drivers along I-15 are seeing a new road side sign. These warning signs simply encourage drivers who are drowsy, to get off at the next exit.
Robert Hull, UDOT Traffic & Safety: "We really wanted them so people would notice them and it would trigger the thought process of you know what, yes, I am tired and I need to pull off and get some rest, get some sleep."
While the signs are new to I-15, they are not new to Utah. They have been in place on I-80 between Tooele and Wendover and on I-70 for a couple of years. There is evidence to suggest the signs are helping to get fatigued drivers to take a break.
Robert Hull, UDOT Traffic & Safety: "We've had a 30 percent reduction in run off the road crashes in all, and we've seen a reduction in fatalities from eight to one, with in that first year so we're excited about that possibility of that occurring in those other locations as well."
The new signs are made up of bright colors to stand out even during the day.
Robert Hull, UDOT Traffic & Safety: "It's to remind people no matter what time of the day, if you are tired and you're sleeping you need to get off the road and get some rest"
The number of drivers traveling long distances during the holidays are especially a concern.
Robert Hull, UDOT Traffic & Safety: "We want to remind them to drive safe, get enough rest, wear your seatbelt, slow down if you run into bad weather, let's make it a happy holiday."
With statistics showing more than ten percent of fatal crashes are the direct result of drowsy driving, these signs could prove to be a lifesaver.
Because it is hard to pinpoint drowsy driving in serious crashes, UDOT says fatigued drivers could actually account for a higher percentage of fatal accidents than the numbers show.
