GOVERNMENT

Utah Highway Patrol issuing far more tickets for dangerous speeds

Dec 7, 2021, 7:08 PM
Photo of a Utah highway petrol vehicle...
FILE -- A Utah Highway Patrol trooper searches information on his computer on I-15 in Utah County Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News

SALT LAKE COUNTY — The Utah Highway Patrol says too many drivers in the state are traveling at dangerous speeds along our freeways.  They’ve issued far more tickets to drivers going over 100 miles an hour this year than before the pandemic started.

Dangerous speeds

Some law enforcement officers believe a strange phenomenon happened during the pandemic.  Utah Highway Patrol Sergeant Cameron Roden says many drivers may have gotten used to wide open roads because fewer drivers were moving about.  Plus, he says UHP tried to limit the spread of COVID-19 by only pulling over the most egregious speeders and reckless drivers.

Roden said, “With COVID, too, I think people kind of knew that law enforcement were not enforcing the speed laws quite as much.”

Even with the limited number of traffic stops, Roden says they still pulled over 5,100 drivers going faster than 100 miles an hour in 2020.  That number isn’t as high for 2021, but Roden says the number of drivers reaching those dangerous speeds has them very alarmed.

Highway deaths still on the rise

“We’re just under 4,500 citations for speeds over 100 miles an hour this year, so far,” Roden says, which is roughly 1,000 more than what UHP issued in 2019.  “It’s something we’ll continue to target.”

Roden says the number of roadway fatalities is still on the rise, and extreme speeds are one of the main reasons why.

“Those high speeds are definitely not something we’ll be tolerating.  It’s something that really leads to severe accidents when you get speeds that high,” he said.  “We’ve all got to do our part and slow down and make sure that we’re watching our speed closer.”

 

Related articles

101 people died on Utah roads during ‘100 Deadliest Days’ of summer

‘This is your warning’: UHP tells motorists to buckle up

Utah Highway Patrol says excessive speeds continue to be a problem

 

Today’s Top Stories

Government

utah house members...
Elizabeth Weiler

Utah welcomes new house members in both parties

There are three new party members in both the Utah House and Senate, and a full female line-up in the Utah Democrat's leadership.
4 months ago
A member of the Utah Taxpayers Association weighs in on how Salt Lake County will spend an 85 milli...
Curt Gresseth

SLC voters OK $85 million parks and trails bond. Is it worth higher taxes?

The Utah Tax Payers Association offers insight into the parks and trails bond and breaks down what the money will fund.
4 months ago
UDOT I-15 Study Map WP...
Devin Oldroyd

UDOT is looking for public feedback on I-15 alternatives between Farmington and Salt Lake City

UDOT is inviting the public to share its input with its study team regarding transportation alternatives for I-15. UDOT is accepting feedback until Dec. 16.
4 months ago
The Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives just received a $2 million co...
Devin Oldroyd

Magna Care Coalition receives $2 million grant to prevent youth violence

The Magna United Communities That Care Coalition will use the grant to enact a three-year plan to reduce youth violence in Magna.
4 months ago
The Obama Presidential Center under construction on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, in Chicago. Photo cred...
Amir Vera and Joe Sutton, CNN

Noose found at Obama Presidential Center construction site, officials say

In Chicago, a noose was found at the site of the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday.
5 months ago
FILE - President Joe Biden is taking his first major steps in decriminalizing marijuana. A federal ...
Katie Lobosco, CNN

Federal court strikes down Biden’s student loan forgiveness program

President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan has been struck down by a judge in Texas, declaring it illegal.
5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Happy joyful smiling casual satisfied woman learning and communicates in sign language online using...
Sorenson

The best tools for Deaf and hard-of-hearing workplace success

Here are some of the best resources to make your workplace work better for Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.
Team supporters celebrating at a tailgate party...
Macey's

8 Delicious Tailgate Foods That Require Zero Prep Work

In a hurry? These 8 tailgate foods take zero prep work, so you can fuel up and get back to what matters most: getting hyped for your favorite
christmas decorations candles in glass jars with fir on a old wooden table...
Western Nut Company

12 Mason Jar Gift Ideas for the 12 Days of Christmas [with recipes!]

There are so many clever mason jar gift ideas to give something thoughtful to your neighbors or friends. Read our 12 ideas to make your own!
wide shot of Bear Lake with a person on a stand up paddle board...

Pack your bags! Extended stays at Bear Lake await you

Work from here! Read our tips to prepare for your extended stay, whether at Bear Lake or somewhere else nearby.
young boy with hearing aid...
Sorenson

Accommodations for students who are deaf and hard of hearing

These different types of accommodations for students who are deaf and hard of hearing can help them succeed in school.
Young woman receiving laser treatment...
Form Derm Spa

How facial plastic surgery and skincare are joining forces

Facial plastic surgery is not only about looking good but about feeling good too. The medical team at Form Spa are trained to help you reach your aesthetic outcomes through surgery and through skincare and dermatology, too.
Utah Highway Patrol issuing far more tickets for dangerous speeds