LOCAL NEWS

Utah fatalities in 2021 highest since 2002 

Jan 5, 2022, 3:24 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 7:00 pm

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol said Wednesday that 320 people died in crashes on state roads last year, the most in 19 years. It was also a 15.9% increase over 2020.

The two agencies said the data showed increases in all the wrong areas. 

“Fatalities on our roads, we haven’t seen them as high as this last year since the year many of us remember as the year we hosted the Olympics in 2002,” said Carlos Braceras from UDOT. 

It’s part of an upward trend in 2021. A quarter of the 320 deadly crashes were speed-related. The statistics also revealed 120 of the crashes involved impaired drivers.

The report showed 30 teens died in 2021 crashes and 74 of the victims did not have a seatbelt on.
Police have also seen an increase in aggressive driving and speeders in general. In fact, more than 4,500 people were caught going over 100 miles per hour and UHP contacted 123,000 people for speeding violations.

Col. Michael Rapich with the Utah Highway Patrol said, “They’re not just numbers, they’re significant. They have huge impacts. They destroy lives, they’re violent, they’re terrible and horrible. Our troopers get to see that every day.”

One statistic dropped but it was still bad news. 

“Is the decrease in the number of drivers wearing their seatbelts,” said Braceras. “That is such a no-brainer, the one thing every single one of us can do as soon as we get into the vehicle.” 

He said a third of the crash deaths could have been avoided had those people buckled up. 

While roads and cars have never been safer, UDOT and UHP said roads would be safer if more drivers buckled up, slowed down, and drove sober. 

Zero Fatalities also announced a new campaign that will hit billboards, TV, and online in the coming weeks. 

It’s called “Destinations” and it will focus on seatbelts and following traffic laws. 

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

10 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

10 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

11 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

12 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

13 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah fatalities in 2021 highest since 2002