Move the car
After an accident, drivers should find a safe space on the side or shoulder of the road away from high traffic. It should help prevent secondary accidents from occurring.
Utah Car Crash Statistics
Utah is ranked relatively high on the list of the most dangerous states in the United States for motorists. In 2021, Utah had the 17th-highest number of fatalities resulting from traffic crashes. The growing road infrastructure, high population density, and increased vehicle miles traveled over the years have raised concerns about the importance of motorist safety on Utah's roads.
The state's major cause of traffic crashes is driver negligence and error. Speeding accounts for about 38% of all accidents that occur in the state. Additionally, teen driving accidents are among the highest collisions of any age group in Utah. Distracted driving also significantly affects the number of crash occurrences along the state roads.
Fatal Crashes
293
Deaths
328
Deaths per 100,000 population
9.8
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.98
Crash Types
328
Single-vehicle
162
Multiple-vehicle
166
Alcohol Involvement
153killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
128
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
36
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Utah
Certain Utah highways and roads have a higher incidence of traffic crashes and fatalities. These are some of the state's most dangerous highways for motorists:
15
22 Car crashes/year
89
20 Car crashes/year
80
9 Car crashes/year
68
6 Car crashes/year
89
6 Car crashes/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Utah
- In 2022, the state had 58,992 traffic collisions that resulted in 25,325 injuries and 319 fatalities.
- In 2022, 12,529 car crashes in the state involved teen drivers.
- In 2017, Utah had 62,855 crashes, the highest number of collisions between 2012 and 2021.
- 2021 had the highest crash fatalities (332 deaths) between 2012 and 2022 in Utah.
- In 2022, distracted driving caused 5,099 crashes in the state.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Utah?
Taking prompt and informed action can protect lives and property in the aftermath of a car accident on Utah's roads. This is a breakdown of essential steps to follow after a collision:
1
2
Stay at the scene
The state mandates that every driver remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives or parties involved in the collision exchange their information. Leaving the scene is a criminal offense which can lead to prosecution.
3
Turn on safety hazards and use traffic control devices
Motorists should activate their hazard lights and employ traffic control tools like flares and safety cones to alert other drivers of the collision ahead.
4
Contact law enforcement
In Utah, drivers must report any traffic crashes that cause bodily injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500 within ten days.
5
Provide your information
After an accident, the state requires drivers to provide their name, address, insurance information, and car registration number. Furthermore, if the driver does not own the vehicle, they must give the owner's name and address.
6
Notify your insurance carrier
Vehicle operators should call their insurance company to file a claim and get compensated for any injury or damages resulting from the collision.
7
Maintain a record
Drivers must keep records and documentation of accidents. These papers are crucial in any legal proceedings related to the collision.
Utah Driving Laws and Facts
Utah has comprehensive guidelines and regulations that ensure safe vehicle operations. These are some of the state traffic laws and facts:
Seat Belt Laws
In Utah, all drivers and passengers must wear seat belts when the car is moving.
Drivers are responsible for any vehicle occupants aged 16 or younger. A vehicle operator can get a ticket for a child not wearing a seat belt.
All children under 13 are expected to ride in the back seat.
Drivers must secure children under eight in a child safety or booster seat.
Children below two years are expected to sit in a rear-facing child safety seat.
Distracted Drivers Law
Motor vehicle operators must not text, browse the internet, or use handheld devices while driving unless the vehicle is parked or stopped.
However, drivers are allowed to use voice-activated devices and hands-free devices to make or receive calls.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers above the age of 21 must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level below .08% if they are to operate a vehicle.
Commercial drivers should have a BAC level below .04% if they are to operate a vehicle.
The state prohibits novice drivers under 21 from operating a vehicle if they have a BAC higher than .0%.
The state bars drivers from operating a vehicle if they are under the influence of controlled substances.
Teenage Driving Laws
The legal driving age in Utah is 15 years. Drivers at this age should carry a learner permit for six months before applying for a driving license at 16.
Students must complete 40 hours of driving, accompanied by a parent or a guardian. These hours must also include 10 hours of night-time driving. Additionally, they must complete a driver education course and pass a traffic safety exam before getting a driver's license.
Teen or novice drivers are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle with a passenger unless it is an immediate family member until they reach 18 or are six months away from getting a driving license unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver above 21.
Novice drivers are prohibited from driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by someone 21 years or older with a valid driving license.
Using Vehicle Mirrors
All motor vehicles should have a mirror mounted on the left side of the vehicle.
The law prohibits people from driving unless they can see clearly and without obstruction through all necessary glass and mirrors in their car.
Move over laws
In Utah, drivers must switch lanes when they see a stationary emergency, tow, utility, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights on the road.
If changing lanes isn't possible, drivers should reduce speed below the limit when approaching the vehicle and wait for other lanes to be clear.
Car Insurance
Utah law requires all drivers to have minimum liability coverage while driving.
Furthermore, all motor vehicle operators must provide their insurance information if a law enforcement officer asks them during a traffic collision or vehicle inspection.
Coasting Downhill
The state prohibits drivers from coasting downhill with the car's transmission set in neutral.
Truck and bus drivers should not coast downhill with a disengaged clutch.
Utah Weird Traffic Laws
While most traffic regulations are consistent across state lines, Utah has distinct laws and regulations. Here are a few weird laws that exist in Utah:
- Using turn signals when changing lanes or direction: In Utah, a driver must activate their turn signals at least two seconds before they move or change lanes. Turning on the signals at least two seconds before changing lanes gives other drivers ample time to react and slow down if needed.
- HOV lanes while driving: If a lane has double solid lines, drivers are expected to remain in the lane and not move until they approach a dotted white line. However, the only exception to the rule is if a driver is instructed to move over when approaching an emergency or utility vehicle that has stopped on the road.
- Bikers must have their hands on the bike at all times. It is illegal for motorcycle and bike riders to take both hands off the handles while riding. At least one hand should always be in contact with the bars when the bike or motorcycle is in motion.
- Do not have open alcohol containers in the car: In addition to no drinking and driving, the state prohibits vehicle occupants from having open alcohol containers inside the car. No individual, including the driver and passengers, can drink while a vehicle is in motion.
- No honking unless it is an emergency: Reckless honking can get drivers into trouble in Utah. Drivers should only honk if they need to warn other road users of danger or in an emergency.
