New Study Reveals Utah’s Deadliest Roads: Over 61,000 Crashes in 2024
Siegfried & Jensen’s new study reveals Utah’s most hazardous roads and the dangers they present to drivers.
A recent research and new study by Siegfried & Jensen, based on Consumer Affairs and the Utah Department of Public Safety data, discovered the most dangerous roadways in Utah and the safety threats they pose to drivers. With millions of residents and tourists using these roads daily, the findings highlight the growing need for road awareness and accident prevention across the state.
Despite the fact that Utah ranks high in terms of road quality and infrastructure, some of the routes report serious risks.
Though Utah is generally praised and known for its road safety and road infrastructure, there are still some local routes and highways which continue to pose a threat and significant risks. 61,606 traffic accidents took place in Utah alone in the year of 2024. Utah witnessed around 281 deaths and around 28,000 major injuries in Utah’s 61,000 auto crashes and accidents. Highways connecting states such as I-15 and I-80 continue to be among the dangerous areas, for reasons such as high traffic volumes, speeding, and regular overtaking. Moreover, Parley’s Canyon poses unique risks for various reasons, such as steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and sharp turns that keep even regular drivers on their toes.
Main Causes Of Accidents in Utah
The research reveals that over-speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are among the main causes of accidents.
Traffic safety data and statistics find that human mistake is the primary cause of mishappenings. Speeding was one of the major reasons causing more than 8,100 crashes across the state in 2024, highlighting speeding to be the most common reason. Being distracted while driving-using mobile phones, eating or being indulged in in-vehicle technology recorded for over 5,100 incidents and accidents. Disabled driving because of alcohol or drugs also remains an evident issue, considerably increasing the risk of fatal crashes.
These actions are dangerous in situations involving complicated driving or high speeds. A car traveling the length of a football field can become blind after a few seconds of distraction at 60 mph, according to numerous studies. The results of Siegfried & Jensen’s study highlight how Utah’s roads can be severely damaged by even brief distractions.
Seasonal And Weather-Based Risks
Seasonal risks were also evident, with January being recorded as the worst crash month.
The climate variations in Utah add up to the pre-existing traffic hazards with seasonal threats. Reasons such as reduced visibility due to snow and ice make driving in winter a risk factor, especially on rural and mountain roads. Reasons such as black ice, winter storms and fewer daylight hours, January experienced the highest crash rates in 2024. Drivers who are not familiar with Utah’s climate and terrain conditions are especially vulnerable, emphasising the urgent need for better weather knowledge and alert driving during the busiest winter months.
Midnight Accidents And Location-Based Dangers
Issues such as time and location also add to the major threats, with midnight being the most dangerous time for fatal accidents.
The crash data and research also reveals the most dangerous time when accidents take place is around midnight. The major factors that increased the risks at midnight were low visibility, dense traffic, and distracted driving. The Moki Dugway Scenic Backway caught attention because of its unpaved switchbacks and lack of guardrails – features that tend to bring serious risks for drivers new to the area.
Specific intersections and areas experienced higher incident rates. Moreover, Washington Boulevard was highlighted because of the high volume of bicyclists and pedestrians, which increases the possibility of multi-party collisions.
Awareness And Action Plans
Siegfried & Jensen are working towards creating awareness by drawing attention to the research and implementing safer driving techniques.
By taking these measures seriously and implementing them in order to spread awareness among people. The legal team of the research hopes and wishes to make Utah’s road safer. The tourism sector has been on a boom in Utah because of which the number of vehicles on the road has increased significantly. This in turn affects the difficulty level due to the lack of familiarity level with local drivers which in turn increases the difficulty level.
To minimise and address these rising issues, it requires taking active steps which include: Investments of funds in projects related to calming the traffic, educating the public about road safety and driving techniques by launching regular campaigns.
Reducing risks on hazardous roads can save lives and protect millions of travellers daily.
Final Thoughts And Responsibility
By promoting a system of caution and accountability and taking necessary and preventive measures, both the legal workers and the people can work towards reducing the accident rates in Utah. Following simple rules such as defensive driving, staying alert, and following speed limits are small yet impactful measures to contribute to safer travel for everyone.
A representative from Seighried & Jensen stated, “We have been helping Utah families affected by tragic accidents since 1990. “The best way to ensure road safety and communities is by taking the lawbreakers to court and advocating for the injured. Together, we can ensure a safer future for everyone on Utah’s roads.”
As Utah is expanding and attracting more and more drivers and tourism every year, comprehensive safety efforts rooted in data and community advocacy will be vital in preventing loss and improving lives.
