Living in Utah, you’re likely familiar with how frequent car accidents can be. Whether you’ve experienced one firsthand or simply worry about the possibility, understanding the statistics can help you stay informed and prepared in case you need a quality collision repair. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a clear breakdown of the numbers to keep you in the know.
The Current State of Car Accidents in Utah
The following data provides a snapshot of car accident occurrences in Utah according to the most recent reports. The numbers are released by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) consistently.
- Total Crashes in 2025: 25,885
- Total Injuries: 7,672
- Total Fatalities: 147
- Percentage of Fatalities: 0.57%
The Biggest Culprits of Car Accidents
That already feels like a large number of crashes. What exactly is causing all these accidents that require finding quality collision repair? Let’s take a look.
State-Wide Accident Causes
Utah stands out as a state with remarkably low rates of impaired driving-related crashes. Drunk driving accounted for only 279 accidents, representing just 0.01% of all crashes statewide. Instead, the leading causes of accidents in 2025 have been:
- Speeding, 14%: 3,742 crashes were caused by drivers exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions.
- Holidays, 14%: 3,712 accidents occurred during busy travel seasons.
- Distracted Driving, 7%: 1,982 incidents were due to inattentive driving.
- Wildlife, 3%: 875 accidents involved wild animals.
Country-Wide Accident Causes
Nationwide, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are consistently among the top causes of crashes across the United States. For a deeper analysis of the primary culprits contributing to accidents on a national scale, refer to our comprehensive review in this article.
Are There High-Risk Times and Locations?
Understanding when and where accidents are most likely to occur can help you stay more vigilant and make safer decisions. Below is a breakdown of the data.
Seasons
- Summer: In 2024, summer proved to be the deadliest season for driving, recording the highest number of fatalities.
- Winter: Winter had the highest total number of accidents, with January recording the most, followed by October, November, and December.
Times of the Day
- 5 AM–8 AM: A significant rise in crashes occurs during early morning hours, likely due to commuting and road conditions.
- 9 AM–11 AM: Accident rates dip during mid-morning hours, presenting a relatively safer window.
- 3 PM–5 PM: This is the peak time for accidents, often attributed to school dismissals, afternoon commutes, and increased traffic.
- 7 PM Onwards: Crash rates significantly decline after 7 PM through the night until 5 AM the next morning.
Days of the Week
- Highest Risk: Thursday has had the most accidents, with 4,575 recorded incidents, with Tuesday, Friday, and Wednesday following close behind.
- Moderate Risk: Monday and Saturday have seen fewer crashes compared to Thursday, with 3,439 and 3,584 accidents respectively.
- Lowest Risk: Sunday has had the least number of accidents, with only 1,955 incidents.
Counties
The following counties accounted for the highest number of accidents in Utah:
- Salt Lake County: 8,832 crashes, 34%
- Utah County: 5,050 crashes, 19.5%
- Davis County: 2,393 crashes, 9%
- Weber County: 1,912 crashes, 7%
- Washington County: 1,501 crashes, 6%
- Cache County: 1,196 crashes, 5%
Roads
Certain roads saw significantly higher accident rates requiring quality collision repair. For a more detailed breakdown of Utah’s most dangerous roads, visit our article on the topic.
- I-15: The most dangerous road in 2025, with 984 reported accidents.
- U.S. Route 89: Second-highest, with 363 crashes.
Demographics Most Affected
Understanding the demographics involved in accidents provides valuable insight into improving road safety in Utah. Below is a breakdown of key statistics for 2025:
- Teen Drivers (Ages 13-20): Teen drivers were involved in 6,425 crashes in 2025 so far, making this the most affected age group. However, it is important to note a positive trend—teen fatalities on Utah roads decreased by 50% from 2023 to 2024.
- Young Adults (Ages 21-29): Drivers aged 21-24 accounted for 4,652 crashes in 2025, followed closely by drivers aged 25-29 involved in 4,635 crashes.
- Older Drivers: There have been 3,509 accidents involving older drivers in 2025 so far.
- Unrestrained Victims: Around 39% of crash victims in 2024 were unrestrained (not wearing their seatbelt) at the time of the accident.
- Vulnerable Road Users (Motorcyclists, Pedestrians, Bicyclists): One-third of fatalities in 2024 involved vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Unfortunately, 2024 saw motorcycle fatalities reach a 15-year high of 53.
What Do These Statistics Mean for Utah?
These statistics highlight the importance of road safety for everyone in Utah. Behind each number is a family, a friend, or a community affected by loss. Whether it’s ensuring seatbelt use, watching for pedestrians, or reducing speed, small actions can save lives and prevent accidents.
Find Quality Collision Repairs at Valley Collision
At Valley Collision, we understand the impact of accidents on individuals and communities. That’s why we are committed to providing top-quality collision repairs in Utah. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Contact us today for assistance.
