The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day — known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” — is marked by a sharp rise in fatal car accidents.
On average, fatal crashes are 45% more frequent during the “100 Deadliest Days” than at any other time of year. In Utah alone, 101 people were killed on the roads during that stretch last year, averaging nearly one death per day.
Impact on Utah roads
With approximately 96.1% of Utah households owning at least one vehicle, reliance on cars for daily travel is widespread.
Between May 21 and July 17, the University of Utah’s Daily Crime and Fire Log recorded 55 traffic-related incidents, mostly occurring in the afternoon and primarily on the main campus and health sciences campus.
From 2019 to 2023, the top five crash factors in Utah included drugs, speed, lack of safety measures, motorcycles and elderly drivers.
Nationwide in 2021, drivers under 20 made up about 5% of licensed drivers but accounted for 8.5% of those involved in fatal crashes and 12.6% in all crashes. Teens are 20% more likely to be involved in fatal car crashes during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
Due to school not being in session, many teens and students with vehicles spend more time on the road in the summer months. Recent data shows 2,897 fatalities involved teen drivers, with 860 occurring during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
State troopers visiting rural Utah high schools in early summer identified teen drivers — especially in rural areas — as a central factor in crashes.
How to stay safe
According to The Daily Universe, approximately 94% of crashes are caused by human error. These include behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, impairment and failure to follow basic safety regulations like wearing seatbelts.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) advises drivers to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel, stating on its website: “Crashes aren’t accidents.”
Preventable behaviors that increase the risk of crashes include aggressive driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to wear a seat belt, drowsy driving and distractions — whether from digital devices or other sources that divert attention from the road.
“Do the small things – buckle up, put your phone down and obey the speed limit,” Lt. Jason Kelsey told KSL TV.
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) runs safety campaigns encouraging motorists to drive responsibly and stay safe on the roads. They cite the top four leading causes for all crashes: following too closely, failing to yield right of way, driving too fast for the conditions and making unsafe lane changes.
UDOT reported that 12 people died on Utah’s roads last week — the worst one-week total in almost two years. Up-to-date data on crash-related deaths can be found on the Zero Fatalities website.
In a statement from UDOT and DPS, Utah Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Rapich warned Utahns of the consequences of unsafe driving behaviors.
“Too many people on our roads are losing their lives because of actions that can be prevented,” Rapich said.
t.govitviwat@dailyutahchronicle.com
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