SALT LAKE CITY — While overall deaths involving traffic incidents in Utah decreased slightly last year, fatalities among teenagers and motorcyclists soared in 2025, bringing a renewed push for all drivers to be aware on state roadways.
The Utah Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety released its preliminary traffic data on Tuesday, which featured the lowest number of traffic deaths in the state since 2019.
Overall, there were 264 deaths on state roads in 2025, down from 277 a year earlier.
“We are encouraged by the downward trend of roadway fatalities, but 264 lives lost is still too many," said UHP Sgt. Mike Alexander.
Despite a lower total number of deaths, the rise in fatal accidents involving teens and those on motorcycles is alarming to Utah officials.
Last year, 31 teenagers were killed on state roads, nearly double the 18 who died in 2024. Meanwhile, the deaths of 70 motorcyclists were a 32 percent increase over the year prior.
According to UDOT and DPS, crashes involving younger drivers are often related to inexperience, distractions and risky behavior.
“The reality is that these tragedies are preventable," Alexander said. "When we commit to driving focused, alert, sober, calm, and when we ensure every person in the vehicle is buckled up, we aren't just following the law; we are actively saving lives. It’s time we all take that responsibility to heart.”
Salt Lake County saw the most traffic fatalities in the state last year, with 83 deaths, followed by 28 in Utah County. State highways were the most deaths occurred in 2025 include:
- I-15 - 24 deaths
- US-89 - 17
- I-80 - 11
- SR-68 - 11
- US-6 - 11
“Behind every number is a person, and a family forever changed,” said Zero Fatalities program manager Shaunna Burbidge. “While fewer lives were lost this year, even one death is one too many. These numbers help us understand where risks remain and remind us that the choices we make on the road can save lives.”
Dean Rogers with ABATE Utah (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) says distracted vehicle drivers and, in some cases, young and experienced riders make for a deadly combo.
“They’re buying these new, powerful bikes and they are doing X amount of speed, they’re not realizing that they cannot stop on a dime," he said.
But that's not always the case. Anthony Wood, an avid and experienced biker, says he knew two of the victims who died last year. One was a woman who was hit by a car on Bangerter Highway.
“That one was just a driver that changed lanes and there was a blind spot incident, and it happens all the time," he said. “It’s very alarming.”
DRIVEN TO CHANGE
