Roadway Departure Crashes Emphasis Area

CHALLENGE

In Utah, more than 40 percent of all fatalities are associated with roadway departures. In contrast, the total number of roadway departure crashes is only 15 percent. These crashes typically result from drowsy, distracted, impaired and aggressive driving, though there are many other contributing factors.

DIRECTION

Work should continue to keep vehicles on the roadway and in their proper lanes. When vehicles do leave the roadway, efforts should be made to reduce the possibility and/or severity of crashes.

PRIORITY STRATEGIES

Engineering

Continue installation of rumble strips where necessary. Enhance roadway delineation and warning signs. Continue installing barrier treatments along high crash corridors.

Education
  • Continue to include roadway departure in education efforts.
  • Educating the public on the deadly driving behaviors and the impact they have on roadway departures, and fatalities.
Enforcement
  • Continue to support enforcement activities that reduce roadway departures.
  • Encourage seat belt enforcement and enforcement of distracted and impaired driving.
LEADERS
  • Utah Department of Transportation,
  • Utah Department of Public Safety: Utah Highway Patrol,
  • Federal Highway Administration,
  • Statewide Local Law Enforcement Agencies.