Utah Drivers Third Worst in the Nation?!   (We are as surprised as you are!)

According to recent study by LendingTree, Utah drivers were ranked third worst out of all the other drivers in the United States. Being from Utah, that statistic stings a bit. So, I had to dig a little deeper to see what criteria were used to make this judgement against our fair state. Digging deeper, it starts to make sense.

 

Why Utah ranked so High (or low LOL)?

 

LendingTree focuses on three main factors for their study:

• Accidents per 1000 drivers
• Speeding Violations
• DUI incidents
• Unfortunately, Utah checked all these boxes more than most!

 

More Accidents per 1000 drivers

 

Utah ranked 7th for the most accidents per 1000 drivers. That doesn’t mean Utahns are bad; it just means we drive fast, distracted, or stressed more often than we realize. Between packed schedules, long commutes, kids, sports, work, church, and everything else, it is easy to be in a hurry and distracted.

 

Speeding: Utah’s Favorite Hobby

 

Apparently, we are not just running late, we are very committed to not being late! Who has used the Utah math of posted speed limit + 10 = the actual speed limit? Guilty!!! Utah has the second-highest rate for speeding incidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, speeding increases:

•  Crash Risk
•  Injury Severity
•  Possibly the length of your recovery.
•  Unfortunately, Physics still works in Utah!

 

The Biggest Shocker for Utah DUI Rates

 

0% ready for that! Utah has some crazy alcohol laws compared to other states. It is assumed, with all those Mormons, it is the driest state in the union. The stats show that Utah is ranked 4th for DUI rates. Even a relatively small number of impaired drivers has a huge impact on:

•  Serious injuries
•  Life-altering accidents
•  Families.
•  It only takes one impaired driver to change everything.

 

The Utah Hustle (Do we love it too much?)

 

To be real, Utah is full of motivated, high achievement, always on the move people! We pack our schedules, try to be early everywhere (with 3-4 kids in tow), and try to squeeze everything into one day! The hustle is admirable, but not when it comes to driving. A few extra MPH, a (not so quick) glance at the phone, or trying to make that yellow light, might change everything for you and your family. Collectively, this is how Utah is the 3rd worse drivers in the nation.

 

The Takeaway: Slow down, Be Covered, and Stay Safe

 

•  A few simple reminders can help us lower our ranking:
•  Slow Down. Arriving safely beats being in an accident
•  Stay Focused, the texts and emails can wait!
•  Don’t Drink and Drive!

 

Accidents Happen!!!

 

One thing we have learned now is in Utah, accidents happen more than in most of the other states. If you cannot avoid one, these few tips will help:

•  Have the right Insurance coverage!
•  Know what to do after an accident!
•  Know who to see after an accident!

 

At Axcess Accident Center, we help Utah drivers recover after auto accidents every day. We would much rather see you slow down and come in just to maintain your health than see you after an accident.

 

Final Thought from One Utah Driver to Another

 

I love this state and the people I share it with. Let’s just remember a little patience, a little space and a little less foot on the gas pedal. Drive safely out there, Utah! Let’s do better on the LendingTree study next year!