Utah 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, the number of fatal car accidents nearly double on Utah’s roads as we enter the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” More than 300 people died over the last three years on our states’ highways – more than one death a day. Drive safely and carefully, don’t get distracted while you’re on the road, and don’t let your best summer memories turn into tragedies.
Safe driving is vital to take care of those you care about and protect them from harm. However, if the negligence of another careless driver is the cause of an accident, the attorneys at Feller & Wendt, LLC are here to protect your rights.
Why is Summer dangerous for driving in Utah?
Summer is the best time to relax, have fun and go on a nice vacation with your family. However, this is not the right time to relax while driving. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, 94 percent of all accidents, in fact, are caused by human error. Even the slightest distraction might quickly turn into a tragedy.
During the Summer, many drivers travel at higher speeds thinking good weather makes roads safer. However, more than 80 percent of collisions occur on dry roads when the sky is clear. On top of that, many RVs and trailers can be found traveling on the road, yet very few people respect the greater stopping distance required to reduce the risks. Do not just obey the law out of fear of getting a ticket: do it to stay safe and protect your family.
How many people get injured while driving?
Fatal crashes and collisions are 45 percent higher during 100 Deadliest Days of Summer compared to the rest of the year, accounting for 56 percent of total fatal accidents.
Strong warning campaigns reduced the death rate to 0.67 in 2012, but in recent years the death toll kept rising, peaking in 2015 with a 1.0 death rate in Utah County. Victims aren’t just motorists: in 2017, 24 motorcyclists, 11 pedestrians, and 2 bicyclists also lost their lives in an accident.
Teenager victims during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Unsurprisingly enough, teens are more frequently involved in crashes during the summer than any other age group. Motor vehicle accidents are, currently, the leading cause of death for people under the age of 21, with an average of 260 deaths every year. 60% of the accidents are caused by distracted driving, in particular when another passenger distracts the driver.
What can you do to prevent a car accident in Utah?
During the Summer, the Utah Highway Patrol doubles its efforts to keep the roads safe, and the engineering department constantly checks for hotspots for accidents. However, safe driving is the best and most effective way to prevent accidents. The five so-called deadliest driving behaviors that can lead to serious injuries and even death include:
- Impaired driving
Drugs and alcohol can significantly impair your ability to process and react. Always drive sober and check the warning label of your medications to know whether they might slow your reflexes.
- Distracted driving
Anything that takes your attention away from driving safely, such as a cellphone or a passenger talking to you, can kill you. Just in 2017, distracted driving was the cause of 147 injuries and 27 deaths in Utah. Stay focused at all times.
- Aggressive driving
Obey the speed limit at all times. Don’t get fooled by good weather: exceeding the speed limit only increases the risk for a serious or fatal injury.
- Drowsy driving
If you feel tired, your eyelids are heavy, or you just yawned too many times, your body is telling you that it’s time to stop. Never drive drowsy: pull over to a safe place and switch drivers or rest if you’re alone. Getting to your destination 10 minutes sooner is never worth the risk.
- Not buckling up
In 2015, 57 percent of fatalities in Utah occurred to unrestrained motorists. A seat belt can make the difference between life and death, so buckle up and make sure that everyone around you is buckled as well (including rear-seat passengers).
What if you’re not responsible for the accident you were involved in?
No matter how safely we drive, accidents can still happen when someone else is at fault. Motor vehicle collisions are preventable events, and if someone is breaking the law or acting in a negligent manner, you or your family might be left dealing with the consequences.
Nothing is more devastating than losing a loved one because of someone else’s carelessness. We at Feller & Wendt firmly believe that when someone gets injured on the road, the responsible parties should be held accountable.
For over 25 years, our expert lawyers have helped countless car accident victims in Utah get the compensation they deserve. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, call us now at (801) 499-5060, to schedule a free legal consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve.
