The warmer weather in the Castle Country area on top of school almost out for the summer has lots of individuals ready for outdoor activities, including traveling on Utah’s roadways. Carbon County Sheriff Jeff Wood stopped into Castle Country Radio Stations to talk about safety reminders for local drivers.
“This time of year according to the Utah Highway Patrol statistics, there have been 45 fatalities on Utah roads, which is 15 more than there were last year at this time,” stated Wood. “Over half of the vehicles pulled over by the Highway Patrol so far this year have been speeders. So I would say let’s slow down a little bit, take the time to wear your seat belt – buckle up. I think a lot of times in fatal accidents their seat belts aren’t used.” In the state of Utah the law makes failure to wear a seat belt a primary offense, meaning officers can stop and cite people for the lapse.
“You know just a little courtesy goes along way. If you pull up to an intersection and you can let someone else go, let them go,” stated Wood. Acknowledge a courteous act by another driver and be tolerant of other driver’s mistakes. Courtesy and responsible driving can keep the driver, their passengers and other drivers on the road safe.
Wood also added, “Distracted driving is dangerous as well. You know this time of year the motorcycles are out. I’ve been seeing a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts out riding, especially on the weekends it seems like. Make sure you are paying attention to whats around you; you would not want to run somebody over.” Its not just texting or making calls on a cell phone, any activity inside the vehicle that diverts the drivers attention from the task at hand which is operating their vehicle can be dangerous.
The Carbon County Search and Rescue Team have finalized their rules for the Annual Demolition Derby in August. Drivers interested in building a vehicle can swing by Tire King at 535 East Main Street to pick up the rules.
To learn more about what the Carbon County Sheriff’s office visit their Facebook page.