SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly 300 people lost their lives on Utah roads last year, a slight increase over the numbers from 2023, according to preliminary data from the Utah Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety. While overall traffic deaths remained steady, motorcycle fatalities reached an alarming 15-year high in the state.
In all, 281 people were killed on Utah roadways during the 2024 calendar year, up from 279 the previous year.
Of those deaths, one-third were described as vulnerable road users, which UDOT defines as motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Overall, 103 vulnerable road users died in traffic crashes.
“By reviewing these numbers every year, we not only reflect on the lost lives but seek ways to improve,” UDOT Operations Director Troy Peterson said. “All of these crashes are preventable. We all are responsible for prioritizing safety and protecting one another and making this number zero.”
The state recorded 53 motorcycle deaths last year, a 15-year-high and an increase of 11 deaths over 2023. UDOT says that the highest concentration of these fatal crashes happened during the summer months (June through August) and most of the incidents were single-vehicle crashes often attributed to speed, lack of protective gear, or loss of control.
"Bicyclists and pedestrians, those that are most vulnerable, that don’t have the protection of a bigger vehicle, we have to look at ways to get them to where they’re going as safely and conveniently as possible," explained UDOT spokesperson John Gleason.
Utah's teens were safer on the roads last year with fatalities decreasing by 50% year-to-year, with just 19 teens losing their lives on the roads in 2024.
"Each one of these numbers represents a life, and so if you’re talking about a 50 percent reduction in the number of teen fatalities, that’s incredible," Gleason said.
Another factor in Utah's traffic fatalities was seat belt usage. According to the report, 39% of crash victims were unrestrained. In 2023, 81 people died from crashes where they weren't wearing a seat belt but in 2024 that number was lowered to 69. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that across the nation seat belt use is at 91.9%. But in Utah, that number is lower at 90.7%.
"Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a family forever changed,” said Lt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol. “Reducing roadway fatalities requires us to drive with care, patience, and commitment to making safety our top priority."
July was also the most dangerous month on Utah's roads. Forty-three people died on the roads in July. September, May, and October followed as the second and third (tied) most dangerous months.
"People usually throw caution to the wind, there’s higher speeds and there’s more people out on the roads," added Gleason.
You can find more information on Utah traffic deaths through the Utah Department of Transportation here.
