According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah is the fifth-most accident-prone state in the nation. Car crashes in our state happen for many reasons, but they often involve a mix of factors rather than a single cause.
Here are the 15 most common causes of auto collisions in Utah, ranked by the number of crashes they cause per year. Understanding these causes can help you prevent future incidents and keep you safe on the road.
1. Inexperienced Teen Drivers
By far, the top reason attributed to Utah car crashes is teen drivers between the ages of 13 and 20 years old. Inexperienced teens often lack the skills and experience to handle challenging or stressful driving situations.
2. The Deadly Need for Speed
Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
3. Older Drivers
Due to age-related visual impairment, medications, and physical or cognitive slowdown, drivers aged 65 to 69 are the next most common reason for crashes in Utah.
4. Holiday and Commute Traffic
In Utah, most car crashes occur during the morning commute between 7 AM and 8 AM and on holidays when traffic peaks.
5. The Hazard of Distracted Driving
In Utah and beyond, this is one of the leading causes of car collisions. Our state had nearly 5,000 distracted driver-related crashes in 2023. Distractions can include any of the following that divert the driver’s attention from the road:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Adjusting the radio
- Fixing hair or makeup
- Reaching down to grab items from the ground
- Interacting with phone navigation systems
- Interacting with passengers
6. Animal Crossings
Collisions with animals, such as deer or livestock, can occur unexpectedly, especially in rural areas.
7. Pedestrian or Cyclist Negligence
Collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists occur when drivers fail to follow traffic laws or yield to them.
8. Fatigue and Drowsy Driving
Driving while tired or drowsy can impair your ability to focus, react quickly, and make sound decisions.
9. Alcohol and Drugs on the Road: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making drivers more prone to crashes.
10. Reckless Driving, Road Rage, and Aggressive Behavior
This includes behaviors like aggressive driving, tailgating (AKA following too closely), cutting off other vehicles, verbal altercations, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals or signs. These incidents increase the chances of collisions by reducing the reaction time of other drivers.
11. Adverse Weather and Poor Road Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other adverse weather conditions reduce visibility and traction, increasing the likelihood of collisions. These road conditions become even more dangerous when there are infrastructure problems like potholes, uneven road surfaces, lack of proper signage, and inadequate road maintenance.
12. Mechanical Failures and Vehicle Malfunctions
Malfunctions in the vehicle’s brakes, tires, steering, or other critical systems can lead to crashes.
13. Failure to Yield Right of Way
Ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections or when merging onto highways can result in collisions.
14. Unsafe Lane Changes and Failure to Signal
While you may not intend to be aggressive, abrupt lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots are still hazardous maneuvers that can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
15. Domesticated Animals in the Road
When pets escape from home and wander onto the road, drivers are forced to swerve unsafely at the last minute or slam on their brakes, greatly increasing the risk of road collisions.
How to Prevent Car Crashes
While you can’t control external conditions or the behavior of drivers around you, there are things you can do to prevent collisions, such as:
- Focusing on the road at all times with both hands on the wheel
- Obeying all traffic laws, signals, and signs
- Not driving when intoxicated or fatigued
- Avoiding the road during unsafe weather and peak traffic times
- Practicing patience with older, teen, and aggressive drivers
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
Preventing car crashes requires responsible driving practices, adherence to traffic laws, proper vehicle maintenance, and awareness of potential hazards. However, despite your best efforts, collisions can still happen.
If you’ve been in an incident, working with an experienced and reliable personal injury attorney is crucial. Contact Acadia Law Group today to navigate the insurance process and receive the support you deserve.
