SALT LAKE CITY - With another winter storm developing, the Utah Highway Patrol released new video of accidents involving state troopers to warn drivers to be alert during bad weather.
Fourteen UHP troopers have been hit so far this year, compared to 12 in all of 2012. All of them have been a result of bad weather, including four during an ice storm on Jan. 24.
Officials say this rising trend can be reversed if drivers pay extra attention, especially when the roads are slippery.
"The problem is people wait. They see it but they wait and they wait and they get too close and realize they need to move over and it's too late," said UHP Corporal Todd Johnson. "As you're traveling, if it is snowing, even if it just wet on the road, that's the time you slow down and increase your following distance between you and the cars in front of you and be looking down the record for any potential hazards."
Another winter storm is forecasted to hit Utah over the next couple days, and now troopers are asking for help.
Drivers should slow down and move over if emergency lights are spotted up ahead, giving them more time to react and reduce the chance of hitting a trooper or other vehicle. And always wear a seat belt.
UHP also says drivers should move all non-injury accidents off the freeway, then calling police for assistance.
