Make homecomings happy

Drive safe this winter

A GOAL WE CAN ALL LIVE WITH

Every year traffic crashes kill over 30,000 people and injure about 2 million people nationwide. The best way to survive a crash is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Through years of research, we have found that almost every crash and the resulting fatalities come down to one or more deadly driving behaviors. Learn what you can do to be a safer driver and how to avoid crashes and injury.

Before you go

Drive Safely in Winter Conditions

How to Correct a Slide

(provided by Icyroadsafety.com)

What to do After a Crash

Move Over Law

The Truth is We Can All Do Better Behind the Wheel

In 2020, the number of Utah miles traveled last year dropped significantly, so you’d think there would be fewer fatalities, well…that’s not the case, in fact quite the opposite. Utah’s traffic fatalities reached a 14-year high and 276 people did not return home last year. Why?

In a survey conducted November 2020 by Zero Fatalities, respondents said they are good drivers and concerned about traffic safety, however, they perceive that other drivers do not value safe driving behaviors like they do. And yet, they also admitted to engaging in many dangerous driving behaviors on a regular basis.

If you really look at your behavior behind the wheel and are honest with yourself, are you part of the problem? Do you act on those little lies or excuses that you know are wrong when driving? Even if it puts you, your loved ones, and others on the road in danger?

We need YOU to be part of the solution. It’s time to put the phone down and —drive Alert, drive Focused, drive Calm, drive Sober and always Buckle up.

You know what it takes to drive safely, now it’s time to do it. Learn more about safe driving and how to avoid crashes and injury by clicking the icons below.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET INTO A CRASH

If it is clear, safe and legal, stop your vehicle. Move the vehicle out of the roadway if necessary.
Turn off the ignition of the cars involved.
Make sure everyone involved in the crash is OK.
Call 911.
If you have reflective triangles or flares set them around the crash site.
Gather the names of witnesses of the crash.
Take a picture with a camera and/or draw a quick diagram. Also note the date, time and weather.
Write down the driver’s name, license, and plate numbers.
Exchange insurance information. Do not discuss “fault” or make statements about the crash.
Get a copy of the police report of the crash from the investigating law enforcement agency.

What to do when the unexpected happens on the freeway

If possible, exit the freeway as soon as possible, then turn right. Once your vehicle is stopped, call 9-1-1.

If your vehicle is driveable and you can safely move in traffic,

Pull over to the right

Shoulder

or exit the freeway

Call 9-1-1

Immediately

Follow the

Instructions

given by the 9-1-1- operator

Stay in your car and

Keep your seat belt on

Stay in your car on the freeway

Older Drivers

As drivers age, their driving abilities may be impacted. This could include changes in vision, reaction time, and physical strength. With awareness and assistance, these drivers can continue to drive safely for many years.

For more information, visit Section 13 of the Utah Driver Handbook as well as the links below:

Utah’s Driver Point system

200 POINTS

and you are out!

UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE

Utah drivers who are younger than 21 years old have stricter rules when it comes to earning points on their driving record. If they accumulate 70 points or more within three years, they may have to attend a hearing and could have their driving privileges suspended or denied for a period ranging from 30 days to one year.

Note: Points may vary plus or minus 10 percent depending upon severity of the record.

Reckless Driving	80
Speeding (Depending on Severity)	35 to 75
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way	60
Following too Closely (Tailgating)	60
Wrong Side of Road	60
Wrong Way on One-Way Street	60
Red Light	50
Stop Sign	50
Improper Lookout	50
Negligent Passing	50
Negligent Collision	50
Other Moving Violations	40