Utah Sets New Record For Reckless Driving Over Memorial Day Weekend

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The long weekend known to spark the 100 deadliest days on Utah roads broke records for reckless driving.

It was the first holiday weekend where Utahns had the chance to get out with fewer COVID-19 restrictions.

Officials with the Utah Highway Patrol said they believe angst from the pandemic resulted in impatient and careless decisions on the highways.

“We did feel cooped up. I think that is translating on our roadways as people are getting a lead foot,” said Lt. Nick Street, public information officer for the Utah Highway Patrol. “This is something that needs to be curtailed.”

From Friday morning to Monday night, UHP troopers made 4,732 traffic stops – including stopping 119 motorists who were traveling over 100 miles per hour.

The highest recorded speed was 120 mph with two other drivers going 118 mph.

“I spoke to other troopers. None of my coworkers can remember a weekend with this many people driving at such high speeds,” Street said. “We haven’t seen these high of numbers during the past 25 years. This is unprecedented.”

UHP officials said traffic was heavy during the traditional weekend, similar to traffic before the outbreak hit.

Troopers reminded drivers to be cautious.

“There were seven fatalities on state roadways,” Street said. “We saw impatient people who were not getting the big picture and decided this was their opportunity to get ahead of traffic. That was a grave mistake.”

Law enforcement officials listed one weekend fatality where someone was changing a tire and was struck and killed. There was another fatality when someone was picking up road debris following a car crash.

UHP has a new campaign for 2020. It’s called “Drive Better,” and it encourages motorists to slow down and not drive impaired or distracted.