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Jed Boal ReportingThe UHP says the start to the summer has been dangerous and deadly. The span from Memorial Day to Labor Day is typically the deadliest on Utah roads as troopers struggle with many crashes that could have been avoided.
Speeding, drunken driving and distracted driving have all been killers in the past week--seven people killed and many more hurt. Many victims were trapped by circumstances; others made dangerous choices.
Two weeks ago state troopers handed out 250 citations in one afternoon on I-15 in Salt Lake County. It was a crackdown on aggressive drivers to encourage safer driving, but it's still been a deadly month.
Lt. Doug McCleve, Utah Highway Patrol: "These crashes are the result of drivers making choices. Either they're sleepy, not paying attention. All of these could have been avoided if drivers made a different choice."
Last night two people died and two were critically injured in separate crashes. Troopers suspect speed and alcohol were factors in the crash in Spanish Fork Canyon. A crash near Duchesne on US-40 killed a 19-year old woman. And last weekend, this series of crashes killed five people and injured more.
UHP investigators presented their evidence to prosecutors today; automobile homicide or DUI charges could be filed next week.
Kimberlee Madison, Daughter Died in Crash: "Misty was at a good place in her life, that's why this is so amazing to us."
Mistee Brallier was giving her daughter a driving lesson when a semi plowed into eight cars stopped by earlier crashes. The mother died, her daughter may be paralyzed for life.
Kimberlee Madison: "We're grateful that she made it. She has a got a long, hard road ahead of her."
Every crash has numerous victims. Two head-on crashes Wednesday prompted police to remind drivers to stay alert. They were caused by a distracted driver and a tired driver.
Six people died on the roads Memorial Day weekend
Lt. Doug McCleve, Utah Highway Patrol: "We need to be attentive to our driving and the actions we take when we're on the road."
Federal statistics show one-thousand people die every month in speed-related crashes. Every crash has a ripple affect on dozens of lives.
