The Utah Department of Public Safety tracks and publishes traffic accident statistics. We feel it is important to understand what is happening on Utah’s roads. Why? It's simple: knowledge is power. Understanding these statistics isn't just about numbers; it's about our families, friends, and neighbors. It's about knowing what's happening on the roads we travel every day and using this knowledge to make better, safer choices. These numbers tell a story – a story of moments that changed lives, and a story of how we, as a community, can work together to prevent future accidents. So, let's look at these statistics not just as data, but as a roadmap to a safer Utah for all of us.
Here are some general Utah car crash statistics and trends::
How many accidents were reported in Utah?
In 2023, there were 64,817 car accidents in Utah. Of those:
18,316 were injury accidents, resulting in 26,329 injuries.
249 were fatal car crashes, resulting in 278 fatalities.
2023 fatal crash numbers were down from the last 3 years. The percentage of fatalities per accident, however, has gone up from 0.38% in 2022 to 0.66% in 2023.
When are accidents occurring?
Tuesday and Friday were a virtual tie for the most accident-prone days of the week. I am sure there is no surprise that 4:00pm - 6:00pm was prime time for a crash, also known as rush hour.
Who is getting in accidents?
Drivers 20 years of age and younger made up 25% of accidents. This groups leading cause of accidents was following too closely and failing to yield right-or-way. Individuals aged 21-24 lead all age groups in accidents caused by driving too fast for the conditions.
What are the causes of accidents?
The most common causes of accidents in Utah probably don’t surprise you. Young drivers, distracted drivers, weather conditions and time of day are contributors to the likelihood of getting in an accident. These items listed below factor in to the most common causes of accidents in Utah:
Drowsy drivers
Impaired drivers
Driving too fast
Motorcycle drivers
Disregarding traffic signals
Unrestrained passengers
Pedestrians on the road
Stay Safe, Utah!
Driving is an essential part of our lives. While some accidents maybe unavoidable, we can take all the precautions necessary to limit the possibility of causing or being involved in a car crash.
If you sustain injuries in a car accident, it is important to seek assistance in navigating the aftermath. Allow Nelson Jones to take on the burden of all of the details so you can focus on healing. Our personable and attentive service will increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.