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When traveling in Utah, it’s easy to get lulled into a sense of security by the beautiful mountain scenery or the vast desert landscapes. Yet the state has some highways and intersections seeing more than their fair share of accidents. Staying informed about these hazardous areas can help you avoid becoming another statistic.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there have been thousands of accidents across the state in the last several years. Many of these crashes result in severe injuries that affect not just the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and sometimes entire families. Some collisions may only involve minor fender benders or property damage, but even those incidents can create stressful legal and financial challenges for the people involved.
If you have suffered injuries on the road, consult an injury attorney in Utah at Craig Swapp & Associates to discuss your options.
Several roads see particularly heavy traffic and are renowned for their accident rates, making it essential for drivers to stay aware of potential hazards.
Here are the five most dangerous highways in Utah and why they require extra caution:
Often cited as one of the most dangerous roads in Utah, Interstate 15 runs from the southern border near St. George up through Salt Lake City and into Idaho. Over the years, Utah’s booming population has turned this route into a heavily trafficked corridor, especially during peak hours and busy tourist seasons.
High speed limits, often 70 to 80 mph, combined with stop-and-go traffic near larger cities can result in sudden braking situations.
Why it’s dangerous:
Crashes along I-15 are frequently severe because of the high speeds involved, meaning the injuries are often substantial. This makes it crucial to remain attentive and to avoid driving aggressively or distracted.
Running east-west across Utah, Interstate 70 is famed for its beautiful but isolated desert vistas. Drivers sometimes take advantage of the open stretches to significantly exceed the speed limit, not realizing that assistance might be miles away in the event of a breakdown or crash. Additionally, cellphone reception is spotty in many areas, which can hamper emergency response and communication.
Because of these conditions, collisions here can become life-threatening if not addressed quickly, underscoring the importance of vigilant, defensive driving.
Spanning from the Nevada border through Salt Lake City and into Wyoming, I-80 serves as a major artery for both commercial trucks and local commuters. High winds off the Great Salt Lake, accompanied by bursts of lake-effect snow, can suddenly disrupt visibility and road traction. The presence of numerous large trucks can also contribute to accidents if drivers fail to manage their blind spots or make safe lane changes.
Crashes on I-80 often lead to extensive chain reactions due to the heavy mix of vehicles traveling at high speeds.
Parley’s Canyon is known for its steep grades, unpredictable weather, and heavy commuter traffic. The canyon’s winding roads and high elevation often subject drivers to sudden snowstorms, gusty winds, and thick fog that can drastically reduce visibility. The combination of tight curves, rapid elevation changes, and frequent congestion can lead to serious accidents if drivers are not cautious.
If you find yourself driving through Parley’s Canyon, be prepared for abrupt weather changes, use lower gears on downhill stretches, and maintain a safe following distance to prevent collisions.
The Moki Dugway Scenic Backway is a rugged, unpaved stretch of State Route 261 that descends the dramatic Cedar Mesa cliffs in southeastern Utah. Built in the 1950s as a route for transporting uranium ore, this road is marked by steep switchbacks, sheer drop-offs, and tight hairpin turns, leaving little room for driver error.
Due to its rugged terrain and lack of road barriers, the Moki Dugway Scenic Backway can be treacherous for drivers unaccustomed to off-road conditions or those who lose focus amid the sweeping canyon vistas. Using low gears, maintaining slower speeds, and staying alert are essential for navigating this breathtaking but perilous route.
While rural highways often claim headlines for severe crashes, many dangers lurk within the state’s urban centers. Dense population areas tend to have high-volume intersections with multiple lanes, creating a prime environment for side-impact collisions, rear-ends, and even pedestrian accidents.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, numerous intersections in Salt Lake City have high incident rates, often due to a combination of high traffic volume, driver inattention, and inadequate signal timing. Commuters rushing to and from work frequently take risks such as running yellow or red lights, making turns without adequate clearance, or merging erratically.
Key factors that lead to accidents at these intersections include:
If you want further specifics on the most dangerous intersections for accidents in Salt Lake City, take a closer look here. Understanding these exact spots can make you more proactive in your route planning, potentially saving you from future mishaps.
Utah’s roadways play a significant role in collisions.
Some of the common causes of accidents are:
On scenic roads, drivers may get distracted by the views or even try to snap photos. This lapse in focus remains one of the chief causes of collisions, especially on roads that demand complete attention due to winding lanes or varying elevation.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be a serious issue. Utah has strict DUI laws, but accidents still happen due to a disregard for legal limits. Impairment can slow reaction times and hamper decision-making, making even routine maneuvers dangerous.
Utah’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, particularly in mountainous areas. Snow, ice, or sudden rain can make roads slick, while dust storms and windy conditions can drastically reduce visibility. These weather events often catch drivers off guard, especially those unfamiliar with Utah’s climate extremes.
Utah invests heavily in infrastructure, meaning ongoing projects frequently disrupt normal traffic patterns. Narrowed lanes, temporary speed limits, and abrupt merges can confound drivers who fail to slow down or pay attention to posted signs. Rear-end and side-swipe collisions are common in these zones.
When an accident occurs, taking immediate and thoughtful steps is essential to protect your well-being and legal rights.
Here’s what you should take immediately after an accident:
Taking these actions not only safeguards your health but also establishes a firm foundation should you pursue compensation.
Driving on the most dangerous roads in Utah can be unnerving, but knowledge is your best defense. While you can’t always predict when another driver may act negligently or when weather conditions will take a turn for the worse, you can control your preparedness.
If you’ve been involved in an accident on one of the most dangerous roads in Utah, you’re likely coping with a variety of hardships – medical bills, time off work, and emotional trauma. Utah personal injury law grants you the right to seek financial restitution if another party’s negligence caused your injuries.
This can cover:
Establishing liability typically involves showing that the other party owed you a duty of care, that they violated this duty through negligence or reckless action, and that this directly led to your injuries. In some cases, multiple parties, such as other drivers or even government agencies, may share responsibility.
Filing a personal injury claim in Utah demands prompt and well-organized efforts.
To file your claim, you should:
Acting swiftly is often advantageous. Evidence from the crash site may vanish over time, and witnesses’ memories can fade.
By staying informed about major hazards on popular routes, you can reduce your accident risk. However, even those who drive safely can find themselves in a crash due to no fault of their own.
If you are involved in an accident in any of Utah’s roadways, remember that you have legal pathways to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Our dedicated team of Utah injury attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates is ready to help you navigate complex legal frameworks and protect your right to fair compensation.
Don’t let an accident on a dangerous Utah road derail your life. Call our office today at 800-404-9000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp