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ST. GEORGE — The number of individuals killed on Utah roadways during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” is down compared to last year, but with three fatalities reported since Tuesday evening officers are reminding drivers to remain vigilant.
Memorial Day marks the beginning of the 100 Deadliest Days for travel on Utah roadways as the number of fatal crashes nearly doubles between Memorial Day and Labor Day compared to the rest of the year, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
During the summer months there is roughly one death per day stemming from traffic-related crashes. Last year 94 people were killed during that 100-day period.
The year-to-date number of fatalities for 2017 during the 100 Deadliest Days, as reported through Monday, is 25 deaths, down from the 39 killed in traffic-related crashes during the same period in 2016.
“Knock on wood we’re doing a little better than last year, however three fatalities have been reported since Tuesday, the most recent occurred just hours ago,” Sgt. Todd Royce with the Utah Highway Patrol said Thursday evening.
Royce added those three fatalities aren’t included in the totals; the most recent occurring near Garden City just hours before an interview with St. George News.
The Garden City fatality was reported shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday on state Route 89 near mile post 498. A silver Dodge pickup truck pulling a loaded dump trailer was heading north toward Garden City when the trailer began to sway or whip, Royce said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.
