Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?

There were over 3,500 car accidents in Salt Lake City in 2021.  More than 1,200 of these involved injuries.  Utah cited approximately 61,500 car accidents with over 18,000 injuries.

While vehicle crashes happen across Utah every day, there are precautions you and your loved ones can take to avoid becoming a car accident victim.  These safety measures include staying alert behind the wheel and knowing where, when, and why most car accidents occur.

Car Accidents Happen Close to Home 

Most car accidents happen within twenty-five miles of a person’s home.  There are several reasons for crashes near home.  

These include, but are not limited to: 

• Familiarity with an area causing a lack of mental focus;
• Parked cars on the sides of the streets;
• Rushing to get to or home from work; 
• Failing to wear a seatbelt on short trips; or
• Coming home intoxicated.

 It is imperative to pay attention while driving, regardless of how often one travels any particular route.

Car Accidents and Rural Areas

Car crashes are more likely to occur in rural areas than in cities.  Most fatal car and truck accidents happen on rural, high-speed roads.  

Traveling at higher speeds makes braking in an emergency more difficult and dangerous.  Rural stoplights and intersections can be missed, neglected, or confusing for travelers and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Common Areas Car Accidents Occur

In addition to intersections and stop signs, car accidents frequently happen at or near:

• Parking lots; 
• Garages; 
• Pull-in and back-out parking spaces; and
• Pedestrian and bicycle zones.

Parked cars can easily hide children; therefore, pay close attention when in neighborhoods and areas where children are at play.

Car Accidents are More Likely in the Summer and on Holiday Weekends

Car accidents are more likely to occur in the summer and on holiday weekends.  Across the country, people drive more in the summer.  Non-fatal accidents are likely from 12 pm to 3 pm, and fatal crashes typically happen from 8 pm to midnight.

There are more drunk driving accidents over holiday weekends than at other times.  

Holiday weekends with the highest rates of alcohol-related crashes include:

• Memorial Day;
• Labor Day;
• 4th of July;
• Thanksgiving;
• Christmas; and
• New Year’s.

Drivers need to stay alert regardless of the time of year to stay safe on the road.

Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

You can practice safe driving and lessen your chance of auto accidents by taking the following precautions year-round:

• Do not drive when tired;
• Do not speed;
• Follow all traffic laws;
• Fatigue;
• Avoid texting, eating, and talking on the phone while driving;
• Pay attention to your surroundings;
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles; 
• Always wear a seatbelt; and
• Properly maintain your vehicle;

If you are in a serious accident, take care of any injuries right away.  Then reach out to an experienced Salt Lake City car accident attorney for victim information.

Contact an Experienced Salt Lake City Car Accident Attorney Today 

To learn more about car accidents in Salt Lake City and how to recover for your injuries, call an experienced attorney at Handy & Handy.  Our Salt Lake City car accident attorneys will listen to you and review your accident information to ensure you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Call or contact Handy & Handy in Salt Lake City to schedule your complimentary consultation with a car accident professional today.