Summer in Utah is a vibrant tapestry of outdoor adventures, from exhilarating road trips through its world-renowned national parks, such as Zion and Arches, to tranquil escapes at high-mountain lakes and the bustling cultural events of Salt Lake City. This season, synonymous with freedom and exploration, unfortunately, also ushers in a heightened risk of car accidents. The influx of tourists, increased local travel, and the unique distractions of the warmer months collectively contribute to a more hazardous driving environment. At The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez in Murray, Utah, we’ve witnessed firsthand the profound and often devastating impact car crashes can have on individuals and families. Injuries ranging from common whiplash and painful broken bones to severe traumatic brain injuries or worse, coupled with the crushing financial burdens of mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation, can quickly turn a dream vacation into a living nightmare. Understanding the top causes of summer car accidents in Utah is not merely academic; it’s a critical step toward proactively staying safe and, crucially, knowing your legal options if the unexpected and unfortunate happens. Here, we outline the top five causes and provide essential tips to protect yourself and your loved ones on Utah’s roads.

1. Distracted Driving During Scenic Road Trips

Utah’s breathtaking landscapes, from the winding, dramatic roads of Logan Canyon to the expansive, open highways near St. George, beckon travelers and locals alike, especially during the summer. While the urge to capture these stunning vistas or simply take in the scenery is understandable, distracted driving — whether it’s texting, adjusting a complex GPS, scrolling through music, or attempting to take photos or videos — is a leading cause of collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving tragically contributed to over 2,800 fatalities nationwide in 2022. In Utah, the allure of summer road trips undeniably amplifies this risk as drivers may be more inclined to juggle phones, engage in lively conversations with passengers, or let their gaze wander from the road to the mesmerizing surroundings.

Safety Tip: Make a conscious effort to keep your phone out of reach and sight while driving. Utilize hands-free navigation systems, and set your playlist before you start your journey. If a view demands your full attention, pull over safely to a designated scenic overlook or rest area to enjoy it without risking a crash. Suppose you or a loved one is unfortunately injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver. In that case, our experienced Utah car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez can provide the legal guidance and aggressive representation you need to pursue rightful compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and profound pain and suffering.

2. Increased Traffic from Summer Tourism

Utah’s unparalleled national parks and vibrant summer festivals, such as the internationally recognized Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City, attract millions of visitors each year. This seasonal tourism inevitably leads to a significant increase in traffic density, particularly in popular areas like Moab, Park City, and along major thoroughfares such as I-15. Heavy traffic conditions significantly increase the likelihood of common yet impactful accidents, such as rear-end collisions and fender-benders. While these might seem minor, they can nonetheless result in painful injuries such as whiplash, debilitating back injuries, or significant property damage, leaving victims facing unexpected and often substantial expenses.

Safety Tip: Proactive planning can significantly reduce your risk. Try to plan your routes to avoid peak traffic times, especially around major holiday weekends, such as the Fourth of July or Pioneer Day. Consider traveling during off-peak hours or exploring lesser-known routes. If, despite your best efforts, you are hurt in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence in heavy traffic, our experienced attorneys in Murray can diligently fight for a fair and comprehensive settlement that covers all your damages. For real-time traffic updates and construction alerts that can help you plan your travel, check the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic website.

3. Driving Under the Influence During Summer Events

Summer in Utah is a season filled with outdoor gatherings, lively barbecues, captivating concerts, and local festivals in cities like Ogden or Provo. While these events are designed for enjoyment, they often involve the consumption of alcohol, which can, unfortunately, lead to a concerning spike in DUI-related accidents. Despite Utah’s reputation for having some of the nation’s strictest DUI laws (with a notably low 0.05% BAC limit), impaired driving accidents continue to occur, resulting in severe injuries, irreversible disabilities, or even tragic fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently highlights the grim reality that alcohol-impaired driving is a significant public health concern, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

Safety Tip: Prioritize safety and responsibility above all else. Always use rideshare services, public transportation, or, most importantly, designate a sober driver if your summer outings involve alcohol. Even one drink can impair judgment. If a drunk driver gravely injures you or a loved one, our dedicated team at The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez is prepared to help you seek not only justice for the wrongful act but also maximum compensation for the devastating damages incurred.

4. Speeding on Open Utah Highways

The allure of summer’s clear skies and seemingly open stretches of Utah’s highways, particularly near Cedar City or the vast expanse surrounding the Great Salt Lake, often tempts drivers to exceed posted speed limits. However, engaging in high-speed driving drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time and significantly increases the force and severity of any resulting collision. Speeding-related accidents disproportionately lead to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), severe spinal cord damage, or internal organ damage, which often require extensive, long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and can lead to permanent disabilities.

Safety Tip: Always adhere to posted speed limits. Furthermore, it’s crucial to adjust your speed according to current road conditions, even if they are below the legal limit (e.g., if there’s unexpected debris, strong winds, or a sudden change in weather). Our firm understands the profound impact of these high-severity crashes. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to assess the specifics of your case and vigorously pursue the maximum compensation needed for your recovery and future well-being.

5. Fatigue from Long Summer Drives

The appeal of long summer drives to picturesque destinations like Bear Lake or the majestic Bryce Canyon can inadvertently lead to a dangerous phenomenon: driver fatigue. Drowsy driving, especially during hot summer days when the sun can be draining, impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times in ways surprisingly similar to alcohol impairment. This contributes to hundreds of preventable accidents in Utah each year. Fatigue-related crashes frequently result in more serious injuries due to the delayed or non-existent braking and evasive maneuvers.

Safety Tip: Prioritize rest before embarking on long journeys. Take frequent breaks – ideally every two hours or so – to stretch, refresh, and clear your head. Stay well-hydrated with water, and if possible, avoid driving during hours when you would typically be sleeping. Consider sharing driving responsibilities on extended trips. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez is here to help you understand your rights and pursue accountability. For tips on safe driving practices and planning your trip, you can also consult resources from the National Safety Council.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez?

Car accidents, especially those occurring during what should be a joyful summer season, can dramatically disrupt every aspect of your life, leaving you with overwhelming medical bills, significant lost income, and profound emotional stress. At The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, conveniently located at 491 West 5300 South, Murray, UT 84123, attorney Roberto Hernandez and his dedicated team are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and highly effective legal representation. With years of experience successfully handling a wide array of car accident cases across the entire state of Utah, we understand the nuances of personal injury law and the tactics insurance companies employ.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing in attorney fees unless and until we win your case. This commitment ensures that exceptional legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation, after an accident. Our bilingual staff proudly serves both English and Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring clear communication and culturally sensitive support for everyone in the Salt Lake Valley and beyond.

Take Action After a Summer Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer car accident in Utah, do not delay. It is critical to act swiftly, as insurance companies are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, not on ensuring you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. While Utah has a four-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, initiating legal action promptly allows for the preservation of crucial evidence and timely investigation. Contact The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us directly at (801) 590-3275, or easily schedule a virtual or in-person meeting at your convenience. Let our experienced Utah personal injury lawyers shoulder the legal burden, fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you deserve, and allow you to focus entirely on your physical and emotional recovery.

• (801) 590-3275

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The post Stay Safe This Summer: Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents in Utah During Vacation Season appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

Where do Traffic Collisions Happen?

According to a study provided by Progressive Insurance, over 50 percent of non-fatal car accidents happen within 5 miles from someone’s home.  This number jumps to almost 80 percent when the radius is extended to within 15 miles of residential areas.  With that said, here are some other areas where traffic accidents tend to occur.

Rural Roads and Farmlands

Fatal car accidents tend to happen on rural roads.  When you think about rear-end collisions, people tend to think of frequent red lights.  This constant moving and stopping of your car can be frustrating.  Motorists can find themselves daydreaming, being distracted, and thinking of other things, and end up hitting the car in front of them.  On rural roads, there are far fewer stop signs, lights, and intersections.  People often tend to speed because they know that there will be fewer cops and are far less likely to receive a speeding ticket.  So remember, car accidents that take lives often happen on two-lane rural roads, where vehicles can have a high-speed head-on collision.

Intersections

Although the number of fatal car crashes is not as common in intersections, the number of actual accidents is quite high in these areas.  It is always a good idea to pay attention and have a heightened sense of what is going on when entering an intersection.  Defensive driving is important in these areas.  Essentially you are looking out for other drivers to make a mistake that will result in an accident.  For example, improper left-hand turns can happen and a vehicle is now in front of oncoming traffic that had the right of way.  Distracted driving is another large culprit.  People can be distracted and run a red light.  We recommend taking a few seconds to ensure that someone is not running the light and is going to make a full stop before you proceed through the intersection, even if you have a green arrow or light.

Parking Lots and Garages

Another area where we see an increase in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents is in parking lots and garages.  People tend to throw away normal rules of the road and drive more like they are in a bumper car arena.  A common accident occurs when someone is backing out of a parking spot and hit a parked car.  Another situation can arise when a driver enters a one-way lane in a parking garage or drives outside the lines in order to shorten the distance they need to drive to hit an open parking spot.  Stay on your toes the next time you are in a parking lot and don’t assume that because you are doing the right thing, others will as well.

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Here are a few tips to help you prevent an accident so you can focus on the beauty of the fall leaves and the winter snow:

 How Cyclists can be Safe this Autumn 

A Helmet is a Must

Even if a helmet may feel bulky and uncomfortable at first, they are a necessary piece of safety equipment. A Helmet dramatically reduces your risk of head injury or death from a collision. No matter how severe the crash, a helmet can mean the difference between you walking away with minor injuries and waking up in the hospital.

Dress Appropriately

Have you ever noticed that most bicyclists are usually wearing bright colors like orange, yellow, or pink? The purpose is for these outfits to capture the eye of any other cyclists or vehicles that are approaching. Avoid colors that could make you blend into the background, like wearing black will make you hard to see at night. So, the brighter and more reflective the color, the better. Follow this even during the day. Reflective materials will assure that you are more visible to vehicle operators, other cyclists, and pedestrians.

Be Sure to Listen

You may want to listen to some music while you’re soaking in the surroundings, but this can inhibit your ability to hear other vehicles on the road. Avoid wearing earbuds, but if you must, wear only one. 

Obey Traffic Laws

Even though this may seem obvious, people forget that traffic signs and light signals were put in place to protect you. Come to full stops at all stop signs and obey all traffic lights. Vehicles are not the only ones held accountable for their neglect in this area.

Maintenance

The last thing you want is for your chain to break or your tire to pop while out on a lovely Saturday ride. A blown-out tire could also become a very hazardous situation. So, give your bicycle regular maintenance checks before hitting the road. Also, consider upgrading your bicycle with an excellent front and rear light/reflector to make you more visible during the day and night.

Communicate 

Signal your next move to other bicyclists and motorists the same way you were to use your blinkers while driving a motor vehicle.   

The post Safely Sharing the Road with Cyclists this Fall appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

About 8:42 a.m., the man was eastbound in a 1999 Ford Explorer on state Route 132 in Nephi Canyon when he drifted on the right side of the road, Utah Department of Public Safety officials said in a news release.

The driver then overcorrected after returning to the road and drove across both travel lanes and off the westbound shoulder, causing the car to roll several times before resting on its roof.

The driver and passenger both had seatbelts on, officials said.

( www.ksl.com)

The Importance of seat belts.  

My point to this blog, and in highlighting the tragedy above, is the Importance of seatbelts. Did you know that:

Of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017, 47% were not wearing seat belts. In 2017 alone,  seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing a seat belt.

( www.nhtsa.gov)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of death among those aged 5 to 34. The most reliable method of saving lives and preventing injuries from occurring is to wear a seat belt. However, millions of drivers and passengers choose not to wear seat belts on everyday occasions. Various statistics regarding seat belt usage include:

• Seat belts can reduce injury and death rates by 50%
• Adults aged 18-34 are less likely to wear seat belts than those 35 or older
• Men are 10% less likely to wear seat belts than women
• In 2011, 58% of teen drivers killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt
• Teens have the lowest seat belt use of any other age group

( www.vdriveusa.com)

According to the Naval Safety Center, only 1% of passengers wearing a seat belt were ejected from a car during a crash. Consequently, whether you’re in the driver’s seat, the passenger’s seat, or riding in the back, wearing a seat belt is equally important. 

Most of all, not wearing a seat belt is against the law and could cause you to lose your life or be seriously injured.

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Utah residents are currently being encouraged to stay home in light of preventing the spread of COVID-19 (Corona Virus). Engaging in solo activities like bicycling can provide some relief and avoid cabin fever. It can also provide a good source of transportation for those who require essentials like groceries. However, it is essential to take precautions. Bicycle accidents are still very common even though fewer people are out on the road; the last thing you want is to have to call already overloaded first responders. Requiring medical care for your injuries will also increase your risk of being infected with COVID-19. We will provide some safety tips to help you prevent this and protect yourself during these trying times.

Utah has an active cycling community and hosts numerous events for biking enthusiasts. As a result of the coronavirus, these have all been canceled or rescheduled. Bicycling on your own remains an option, but you need to take the following precautions:

Recreational

Avoid crowded areas and make sure you are at least six feet away from others at all times.

Be cautious on trails and places with gravel roads; it would be unfortunate if you end up skidding and getting injured.

Pay attention and be alert to obstacles and traffic. 

Properly maintain your bike, which can help prevent accidents.

Even if you pick a suitably remote spot to ride, bicycle accidents are a risk. Avoid distractions such as earbuds while riding, wear light, bright colors to ensure visibility, carry identification and let someone know when and where you’re going to be.

Transportation

Be alert for emergency responders if riding near hospitals, police, or fire stations.

Be alert for reckless and distracted drivers.

Go slowly through grocery store parking lots, watching for people pulling in and out of spaces.

Stick to the bike lane and avoid highways or other heavily traveled areas.

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Climbing or using items to reach higher areas

It is essential to follow all safety standards while on the job. These requirements may sound unnecessary, but they have all been established for a reason and have employees’ best interests in mind. One of the most common injuries that happen on the job is climbing on items that are not meant to support a person’s weight—for example, standing on a chair or bucket to reach a high up area. Remember that only ladders or step stools should be used while painting or reaching an item stored up high.

Ignoring cleaning or maintenance tasks

Cleaning up after a job has been completed is one of the most skipped tasks. Although this final step may seem unnecessary, it is essential for coworkers and customers’ safety. Failure to clean up and maintain a work area can lead to slips, falls, or tripping in cluttered areas. These accidents can happen from spilled liquids that were not cleaned up or items blocking a hallway or stairway. It is not worth the safety risks of skipping a cleaning or maintaining an area.

Using damaged or broken tools

Many employees can be tempted to ignore issues that prevent them from getting their job done. If a tool at the office is damaged, broken, or otherwise functioning effectively, halt its usage and call experts to make repair work. Never attempt to conserve time by fixing it yourself if you are not the professional educated to do so. The work can wait while your company timetables proper repairs. Unprofessional hacks or low-quality repair services could cause significant injury dangers. Changing a missing out on device guard with an item of plywood, for instance, might cause fatal injuries if an employee obtains caught in the machine. When it involves security, do the right thing. Always follow procedure rather than utilizing harmful faster ways.

What can be done if you are injured?

Although this article is designed to be a safety reminder, we know that accidents can and will happen. If you are an employee or customer, you have a right to a confident expectation of safety. If you believe you have been injured due to negligence or misjudgment, you have legal options to help pursue compensation. Consider calling The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez today at (801) 590-3275 to speak with a legal professional or schedule a case review.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.

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Prepare for the challenges of the cold.

It can be helpful to keep a Tupperware or similar storage bin in your vehicle. This can include items like blankets, a flashlight, ice scrappers, medications, a first-aid kit, and even food or water. Having these items in your trunk can help prepare you if you get stranded while your car is stuck in the snow. Winter brings dangerously cold conditions and low light. This means that walking to the nearest gas station if your car breaks down is a far more massive task in the winter versus the summer months. Having these items ready to go can make all the difference while help is on the way.

Don’t drive unless necessary.

One of the best ways to avoid the spike in accidents that occurs when a snowstorm is happening is by not being on the roads when they happen. If you live in areas where a massive storm is expected, you can take proper precautions to prevent needing to go to the store for supplies. If you must leave the house, try to plan your trips so that you are avoiding the worst time of the storm or when the smallest number of cars will be on the road. You can also plan your trips to limit the number of stops you will need to make. Perhaps you can go to one or two stores for all your items instead of four or five.

Look at your vehicle to ensure that it is ready for the snow.

When the roads and highways are slippery from ice, your tires are the most critical items in your car. Make sure that your tires are free from bald spots and have plenty of treads left so that you can trust them on a stop or during a turn. If your vehicle does not have a four-wheel drive, you may even choose to use chains or snow tires to help with your traction and control. It is also a great idea to look at your windshield wipers to make sure they will properly clean your window of fog, water, and salt.

Remember, these are just a few simple ideas to help keep you and your family safe during winter travel. Check your local weather stations to see what challenges will face drivers so that you can plan accordingly.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.

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