A total of 320 people died on Utah roads in 2022, 12 fewer than in 2021, according to preliminary traffic fatality data released by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The majority of the deaths were motorists, but 53 were pedestrians, 50 were motorcyclists, and 15 were bicyclists.
“One startling takeaway from this last year is how many of our most vulnerable road users’ lives were lost,” John Gleason, UDOT public relations director, said. “Everyone shares the road, whether they’re driving, walking, or riding a bike or motorcycle, and all road users have an equal responsibility to watch out for one another.”
The preliminary data shows an increase in risky behaviors, such as aggressive driving, that often result in fatal crashes.
The state is encouraging residents to wear seat belts, abide by the speed limit, adjust speed for poor road conditions, use turn signals, completely stop and look at intersections, review the rules of the road, and give semi-trucks enough space.
Parents are encouraged to teach their children safe pedestrian habits.
“Those habits are formed by starting with the fundamentals,” Sgt. Cameron Roden, UHP public information officer, said. “So, just like you would with other resolutions, we want to go back to the basics.”