UDOT and DPS release preliminary 2024 statewide traffic fatality numbers

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) today released preliminary traffic fatality data for the 2024 calendar year.

Preliminary reports show there were 281 lives lost on Utah roads from Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2024. There were 279 fatalities on Utah roads in 2023.

"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."

A few key takeaways:

• One-third of all fatalities were vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists). These groups are at the greatest risk of severe injury or death in crashes and require extra attention from everyone.
• Teen fatalities showed a significant decline. Teen fatalities on Utah roads decreased by 50% from 2023 to 2024, with 19 fatalities reported last year. Utah will continue focusing on prevention through ongoing education, behind-the-wheel training, and increased parent involvement to further reduce teen fatalities.
• Motorcycle fatalities reached a 15-year high of 53. This marks an increase compared to previous years, with a concentration of deaths during the summer months (June through August). Most incidents were single-vehicle crashes involving single riders, often attributed to speed, lack of protective gear, or loss of control.
• Nearly 39% of crash victims were unrestrained. Although this number decreased from last year (81), and Utah's seat belt usage rate is 90.7%, a significant number of lives could have been saved had they simply buckled up.
• Summer months saw the highest number of fatalities. While winter sees more crashes due to hazardous weather conditions, the higher speeds typical of summer result in a greater number of fatalities. People need to drive focused, alert, and calm.

"Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a family forever changed," says Lt. Cameron Roden, UHP. "Reducing roadway fatalities requires us to drive with care, patience, and commitment to making safety our top priority."

UDOT and DPS are regularly learning and implementing strategies to increase safety on our roads for all users. Visit zerofatalities.com to access resources to educate, review, and teach safe road habits, and the attached Fact Sheet and the Zero Fatalities statistics webpage for more information and visual charts.