The number of motorcycle fatalities to date in Utah is nearly double what it was last year at this time. This week alone the Utah Highway Patrol has reported 14 motorcycle deaths with the majority of them caused by human error.
“There’s been a lot of motorcycle accidents in the state of Utah this year and just want to make people aware, keep your eyes open for those folks riding the motorcycles out there they’ll be out on the little mountain roads, I know that loop around Scofield and down Huntington is popular,” stated Wood. Drivers should be sure to look twice for motorcycle riders especially when turning at an intersection and into/out of driveways or parking lots. The Zero Fatalities campaign states that 31 percent of drivers who hit motorcycles were turning left. Other important factors for motorcycle safety is gear up for the ride, slow down enjoy the ride, use both brakes and use bright lights during the daytime.
The Sheriff explained one crucial safety tip for all drivers, “You know, avoid the distractions, your cell phone can wait. Put your cell phone away, in your pocket or put in the console of your car and when you get to where you are going, you can check your phone and see what you missed.” In Utah, the two biggest causes of distracted driving crashes are cell phones and passengers. Anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road is considered a distraction and puts the lives of the driver, passengers and other motorists at risk.
“You know we’re going into Fall so it’s time to start looking at those maintenance things with your vehicle to get it ready for winter. Make sure that it has proper anti-freeze in it, its getting ready and soon enough we will be dealing with frost,” said Wood. Other things that need attention on the vehicle is the engine coolant level, tire pressure and tread depth, refill windshield wiper fluid specifically made for winter weather, switch to a winter-grade oil at the vehicle’s next oil change.
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