Top Causes Of Car Accidents In Utah
There are a few main causes of Utah car accidents, but nearly all motor vehicle crashes can be avoided if drivers commit to safe, sober driving.
The data on Utah car accidents is alarming — in 2014, an accident occurred every 9 minutes. An injury occurred every 22 minutes, and someone died every 34 hours.
To understand how to lower the rate of motor vehicle crashes, it’s vital to learn why they happen.
Refresh Your Driving Safety Skills
In 2014, the top cause of Utah car accidents was following too closely. Tailgating is a major issue, along with failing to properly yield, which was the No. 2 cause.
It’s time to refresh your driving safety skills and review these standards:
Always keep a three-second following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
In inclement weather, increase this distance.
Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks.
At a four-way stop, yield to the driver who arrived first or the driver to your right.
By adhering to these standards, you’re doing your part to reduce the danger on Utah’s roadways.
Stop Speeding
The third major cause of Utah car accidents is speeding, and it’s also the top cause of roadway fatalities. In 2015, 278 people died in motor vehicle crashes in Utah, and this is the highest rate of death in eight years. Speed caused 37 percent of all roadway deaths, whether the driver was traveling over the speed limit or was driving too fast in inclement weather.
It’s time to assess your driving style. Not only does staying within the speed limit keep you and other motorists safe, it also helps you get better gas mileage and save on fuel costs.
Buckle Up
Your car is equipped with seat belts for a reason — you need to use them all the time. In 2015, 31 percent of all traffic deaths were the result of unrestrained occupants. That means 87 deaths may have been prevented if only the drivers and passengers were all wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
When You’re in an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident, what should you do?
The first step is to move to safety. Check on your passengers and the occupants of any other vehicles involved. Next, call for emergency services. Stay calm and relate the events to the operator. The police and any medical professionals will come and begin to gather information. Your car will be towed if it isn’t drivable.
Make sure you get the police report number and the officer’s name at the scene — this information will help when filing your insurance claim.
When you need emergency roadside assistance, trust Stauffer’s Towing. The tow team is available 24/7 to respond to all Utah car accidents and to help motorists at any time of day or night.
