SALT LAKE CITY – Friday is both the start of Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of what officials call the 100 Deadliest Days on Utah roads.
Public safety officials said the 100 Deadliest Days begin Friday, and Utah typically sees about 35 percent more fatalities during that period, which ends on Labor Day.
Utah Department of Transportation officials said 64 people have died on Utah roads this year, compared to 51 deaths during the same time period in 2013. There were five fatalities during the Memorial Day holidays last year.
More than 2 million people in the region are expected to be traveling for the holidays, and officials are urging drivers to slow down, buckle up and focus on the road. UDOT officials are driving the point home by posting signs on Utah freeways and highways that say: “Zero Fatalities On Utah Roads Last Three Days.”
Utah Highway Patrol officials have added 230 extra shifts for the holiday, so there will be increased police presence on the roads as officials work to prevent fatalities. Traffic is expected to increase during the holiday weekend, particularly Friday evening and Monday afternoon.
A new law went into effect in Utah on May 13 that relates to using your cell phone while driving in the state, click here for details on what is and isn’t allowed.
UDOT officials provided a list of construction projects that will impact travel during and after the holiday, click here for details.
