Roadway deaths in Utah hit nearly 20-year high last year

By SHELLEY K. MESCH
Salt Lake Tribune

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Data from the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Highway Patrol shows 320 people died on Utah roadways in 2021. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that’s up more than 15% since 2020 and the highest number of deaths in nearly two decades. The most recent higher total was in 2002, when when 329 people died. UHP Colonel Michael Rapich says the totals are not just statistics, they are horrible, tragic events that involve violent tragedy. He says more than 90% of these crashes would be prevented if the drivers weren’t speeding, weren’t intoxicated or weren’t distracted with their phones.