Driving on Utah’s roads involves navigating through diverse terrain and ever-changing weather conditions. While most accidents can be avoided with safe driving habits, some of the most common causes of crashes in the state are tire blowouts, winter weather hazards, and drowsy driving. There were 319 motor vehicle crash deaths recorded in Utah in 2022, all caused by various factors. This article will explore the major factors that contribute to motor vehicle accidents across Utah’s highways and interstates. Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing collisions and staying safe on the road while in Utah. If a collision occurs, a Salt Lake City personal injury attorney may be able to assist you and your loved ones.
Tire Blowouts
When a tire pressure suddenly drops and the tire “blows out” it can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. This often leads to dangerous situations like swerving into oncoming traffic, rolling over, or veering off the road.
There are a few key reasons why tires experience blowouts:
- Worn Tread – Tires that are overly worn have very little tread depth left. This makes them more prone to punctures and blowouts. Utah law requires a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch.
- Under Inflation – Driving on underinflated tires causes excessive heat buildup and flexing which can weaken the tire structure. Proper inflation should be checked at least monthly.
- Damage – Foreign objects like nails or road debris can penetrate the tire and cause air loss. Damaged tires should be repaired or replaced promptly.
- Improper Load – Overloading a vehicle can overstress the tire structure leading to failure. Check that the tire load capacity matches the vehicle weight.
When a blowout occurs, it’s important to remain calm, hold the steering wheel firmly, and slowly decelerate. Slamming on the brakes may cause further loss of control. Bring the vehicle to a safe stop and change the flat tire or call for roadside assistance. Proper tire maintenance and rotation helps prevent blowouts caused by excessive wear.
Winter Weather Accidents
The winter months in Utah can bring snowy and icy conditions that contribute to accidents across the state each year. Some key factors in winter weather accidents include:
- Loss of Traction – Snow-covered or icy roads result in substantially reduced tire grip. This makes braking, turning, and stopping more difficult. Slowing down and increasing following distance is key in winter conditions.
- Reduced Visibility – Heavy snowfall can greatly reduce visibility for drivers, sometimes to just a few feet. Use low beam headlights and avoid travel during whiteout conditions.
- Black Ice – Roads that appear wet may actually have thin, nearly invisible layers of ice that cause slick spots. Always be alert for icy patches when temperatures are near freezing.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for the conditions is a major factor in loss of control accidents on snow and ice. Obey lowered speed limits and don’t overdrive your tires’ available traction.
- Poor Maintenance – Worn wiper blades, low tire tread, and inadequate antifreeze can all contribute to wintertime accidents. Check these components before winter hits.
Allowing extra drive time, slowing down, and increasing following distance can help avoid winter weather collisions. Stay alert for changing road conditions.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is an underreported but potentially deadly behavior. Falling asleep behind the wheel can have catastrophic consequences. Studies show drowsy driving may be involved in over 328k crashes each year. Some contributing factors include:
- Driver Fatigue – The most common cause of drowsy driving is basic driver fatigue and lack of sleep. Driving when tired, even if you don’t fall fully asleep, slows reaction time considerably.
- Time of Day – Drowsiness often peaks in the overnight hours between 12am and 6am, as well as mid-afternoon. Our circadian rhythms make us prone to sleepiness during these times.
- Sleep Disorders – Undiagnosed sleep apnea and narcolepsy put drivers at very high risk of drowsy accidents. Getting treatment can reduce this risk.
- Medications – Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol use, can induce drowsiness, especially when combined with driving.
Preventing drowsy accidents starts with getting adequate sleep (at least 7 hours is recommended), taking breaks when driving long distances, carpooling to allow others to drive, and avoiding driving during our biological sleepiness periods. Recognizing the warning signs of impending sleep and promptly pulling over for a rest can save lives.
If you are injured in an auto accident in Utah, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer from Monge & Associates can help protect your rights. They can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and determine if you are owed compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Utah, Ohio, and Washington.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you need advice on your next steps.