How Utah Record Snow Storms Continue to Cause an Increase in Car Accidents

Unlike prior years, when Utah suffered milder and infrequent snow storms, 2023 has proven to be a year of broken snow records as well as increased car accidents. According to the Salt Lake City Tribune, February 22nd, 2023 marked one of the snowiest days in Salt Lake City history. Interestingly enough, from midnight Tuesday evening to Wednesday, there were 11.5 inches of snow recorded, breaking the last record of 9.9 inches in 1994. This snow storm also tied with eight, all-time snowiest days in Salt Lake City dating back to 1874. This is definitely a scary thought and consequently a major part of the rise in the number of automobile accidents this year.

For the most of us, we are hoping for a quicker end to the winter season. However, based on statistical records noted in previous years, the record snow days have fallen in March and April. Ergo, we still have a few more weeks to drive with extreme caution to avoid the continual increase in our Metroplex’s car accident numbers.

Let’s discuss some occurrences in our state.

 

A One Hundred Vehicle Car Accident Pile Up in our State

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, February 22nd has been the day of the highest numbers in snow fall inches this year. That particular day according to the Utah Highway Patrol, there were 95 car accidents recorded from midnight to 11am.  This number is shocking. The majority of those accidents were noted to be in Salt Lake City; thankfully they were all non-fatal.  However, I think a good number of us have personally experienced or know someone who has, the detriments, lifestyle changes, and suffering that are tied to being involved in unfortunate car accidents.

 

Three Fatalities From a Head-on Car Accident Today

Above, we discussed stats on numerous, non fatal accidents from last month. This month, in fact just yesterday, unfortunately the outcome is much more mournful and melancholy. According to an article at KSL.com, 3 people were killed in a head-on crash yesterday.

The car accident involved a Honda SUV and a smaller Nissan Altima that collided on U.S.89. The SUV was heading eastbound, lost control due to increment weather, and entered the westbound travel lane. There, the SUV collided directly with the red Nissan. A 46-year-old women was the driver of the Nissan, and a 16-year-boy was the front seat passenger. The driver was regretably pronounced dead at the scene, and the teenage boy later died in the hospital.

Ion the other vehicle, the Honda SUV, there were there individuals. A 64-year-old woman in the back seat was also pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver and front seat passengers were both taken to nearby hospitals and are both still in critical condition.

We are all very saddened by this occurrence and send the families our deepest condolences.

Although police are still investigating the cause of the accident, it is important to note that the teenage boy in the Nissan and 64-year-old woman in the SUV were not wearing a seat belt. Just as a reminder, there is no occasion when a seatbelt is not recommended, and even more so when the conditions are detrimental to safe driving. A seat belt, although not always, it can help save lives and prevent horrifying injuries.

Reminders in Icy Weather

On a daily, during snowy and icy weather, we continually recommend you avoid driving as much as possible until conditions improve. Car accidents become almost inevitable with slippery roads. However, if you must travel, please keep in mind of the tips we discussed in our previous blog Why Bad Weather Leads to Car Accidents that can be helpful. Also, a great resource on day to day weather and traffic updates on the UDOT website.

And of course, if you unfortunately suffer from a car accident, do not hesitate to reach our office via our contact information on our website Symco Injury Law Firm or call us at 801-738-9999. We are available 24/7.