SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah — A Saratoga Springs man died in a crash on SR-201 in Salt Lake County Monday morning, and Utah Highway Patrol officials say road debris was a contributing factor in the crash.
On Monday afternoon, UHP identified the man who died as 25-year-old Lance Budge.
The crash occurred around 10:10 a.m. on westbound SR-201 near 4200 W (Bangerter Highway).
According to UHP, Budge was driving in the far left lane when a ladder dropped from a Ford F-150 pickup truck ahead of him and into the middle lane.
"The [F-150] driver came to a stop in the far left lane to retrieve the ladder in traffic," a news release from UHP said, but Budge was unable to swerve out of the way and rear-ended the truck.
The crash forced Budge's car, a blue Honda Civic, into the middle lane, and a black Honda Odyssey crashed into the back of the Civic.
Firefighters and medical personnel arrived at the scene and began extrication and life-saving measures, but were unable to revive Budge.
According to UHP's news release, roadway debris is something troopers see daily, and, in this case, it was a contributing factor's in Budge's death.
Drivers who are hauling equipment or other cargo on the exteriors of their vehicles are urged to consistently check that the materials are properly secured.
"Rubber bungee-style tie downs don’t last forever, they rot over time due to environmental exposure and must be replaced often. For this reason, a more secure method of tying down externally secured items should be utilized," the news release said.
All drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits, maintain safe following distances and be alert of the road conditions ahead to prevent road debris-related crashes.
UHP recommends using the "two-second rule" for maintaining safe following distances. The rule can be applied by watching the vehicle ahead of you as it passes a landmark such as a tree or a signpost. Your own vehicle should pass the same landmark at least two seconds later.
Family and friends have set up a Gofundme fundraiser to help Budge's family with funeral expenses.
