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Protecting Utah
DPS and UDOT Encourage Safer Driving Choices as 2020 Traffic Related Fatalities Increased
Although traffic in Utah decreased by 13% in 2020, traffic-related fatalities increased by 11%.
DPS Commissioner Anderson spoke at a press event highlighting the fact that traffic fatalities increased on Utah’s roads in 2020, in spite of a significant reduction in traffic.
“The truth is we need to look at our own behavior and be better drivers,” DPS Commissioner Jess Anderson said. “We can no longer justify that one text, or not driving the speed limit. One decision can change everything. Let’s all start now.”
“That 13% decrease in traffic is critical,” Commissioner Anderson said. “We still see that some of the choices made on our highways are leading to an increase in fatalities.”
“We all agree we want our roadways to be safer,” UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras said. “It will take all of us working together to get there.” Director Braceras noted that Utah’s year-to-date fatalities are higher than they were last year, and reminded Utahns to “think about what you can do – drive focused, drive calm, drive alert and drive sober.”
Press Event Live Stream
New Campaign
To help address the issue, Zero Fatalities launched a new campaign focusing on the theme of “Our Lies Cost Lives.” The campaign is premised on the idea that drivers tell themselves little lies that allow them to engage in unsafe driving behaviors which can lead to tragic consequences. The video below serves as the focal piece of the campaign
News Stories
Click on the links below to read stories about the increase in fatalities from Utah’s media outlets.
Watch an interview with UHP’s Lt. Nick Street.
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