© 2025 KPCW

KPCW
Spencer F. Eccles Broadcast Center
PO Box 1372 | 460 Swede Alley
Park City | UT | 84060
Office: (435) 649-9004 | Studio: (435) 655-8255

Music & Artist Inquiries: music@kpcw.org
News Tips & Press Releases: news@kpcw.org
Volunteer Opportunities
General Inquiries: info@kpcw.org
Listen Like a Local Park City & Heber City Summit & Wasatch counties, Utah
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Utah safety officials warn about ‘concerning rise’ in pedestrian deaths

In the bustling cityscape at night, pedestrians navigate a busy street while vehicles approach, emphasizing the critical importance of urban traffic awareness alongside nighttime safety
Viktar Lameika
/
Adobe Stock
In the bustling cityscape at night, pedestrians navigate a busy street while vehicles approach, emphasizing the critical importance of urban traffic awareness alongside nighttime safety

The Utah Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers and pedestrians how to stay safe as winter brings longer nights.

Last December, nine pedestrians were killed on Utah’s roads. Eight of those were during dark or low-light hours.

That’s compared to three deaths in December 2023.

DPS says the concerning rise in pedestrian deaths is continuing this year. Since Nov. 23, there have been three pedestrian fatalities, all during low-light hours.

State safety officials say pedestrians and drivers have a shared responsibility to look out for each other.

Pedestrians are advised to wear reflective clothing and use crosswalks, while following crosswalks signal signs. Making eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway is also recommended.

Drivers are advised to be patient with pedestrians and to expect someone at corners and intersections.

Dusk, dawn and dark hours increase the risk for an auto-pedestrian crash. Safety officials ask everyone to take extra caution as foot traffic increases during the holidays.