The 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Utah

Driving in new areas often brings unexpected challenges. In Utah, those challenges are highly present in certain areas. Read through the article below to discover the most dangerous places to drive in Utah and how to avoid an accident.

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What makes a road dangerous?

No matter how careful or conscientious you are on the road, accidents can and do still happen. While you can control your actions, you cannot control those of other drivers or what the weather or road conditions will be.

Road hazards abound putting you at risk for injury and property damage. It is well known that these types of road hazards are likely to cause accidents:

– Fixed Objects

Clear zone issues are created by fixed objects on or near a road such as fallen trees, uncovered water drains, or even utility poles. Depending on where you are driving, these types of obstructions may be extremely common.

– Random Patches of Ice

These patches can easily sneak up on a driver and take them by surprise. They can cause a vehicle to spin or slide. Isolated ice patches are usually caused by roads that don’t have the ability to properly drain water and freezing temperatures.

– Intersection Geometry

Intersections that are not designed well can also be hazardous. These include intersections that feature narrow roads or sharp turns. Often, it is in these areas that accidents occur over and over again, as the intersection itself poses a serious threat to safety.

– Fast Fixes

For a temporary fix to roads that actually require resurfacing, an oil and chip can be done. While these may seem to provide a great fix, the key is that they are only temporary. If they are relied upon for too long, they can become slippery and create dangerous conditions.

– Lack of Guidance

Sometimes we don’t realize how much we need or rely on signs and painted roads until they are not there. Roads that are not painted or have paint lines chipped or broken as well as signs that are missing or hidden can create hazardous conditions.

– Bad Shoulders

Shoulder conditions are more important than drivers realize. If the space past the white border line of the road has a drop of more than two inches from the surface of the road it has the potential to cause an accident.

– Wet Roads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGVEdeqjSLE

Roads are not only dangerous when they are icy but when they are simply wet as well. Wet conditions can make roads slippery as oils are released. During rainy weather or on roads that do not have proper drainage pathways drivers need to be more cautious.

– Wheel Ruts

Resurfacing is important for roads as over time grooves can form where wheels frequently hit the pavement. These grooves can make a road uneven and unsafe and can cause serious accidents if not taken seriously.

– Construction Zones

The ever-dreaded road work zone can create more than just a time delay.

These zones often come with confusing signage and changes that drivers cannot predict. Trying to drive safely and pay attention to the construction workers, other traffic, and signage can become difficult for even the most focused and careful driver.

– Potholes

A road that has potholes is more than just an annoyance, it is downright dangerous. Drivers who see them on time can serve, however, this can cause collisions with other vehicles or objects.

Not to mention the damage potholes can do to your vehicle or your passengers. Drivers should notify their local road authorities of any potholes and request that they are fixed right away.

Utah Car Insurance

When it comes to insuring your car, every state requires their drivers to have certain types and a minimum amount of limits on those types of auto insurance.

Utah is a no-fault state and requires its drivers to carry a minimum of $3,000 in medical payments coverage, also known as personal injury protection.

This coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even help you may need to hire around the house as you recover from your injuries in an auto accident.

Additionally, Utah drivers are required to have the following:

– Liability

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $65,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $15,000 per accident for property

Liability coverage pays for the damages you cause to other people or their property in an accident. If you often drive on dangerous roads, you should seriously consider paying for additional coverages on your auto insurance policy.

Since liability insurance does not pay for damages to your own vehicle, it is wise to consider adding these coverages to your policy, even though they are not legally required to do so.

– Comprehensive

This coverage is in place for damages to your vehicle that do not involve colliding with other cars or objects. For instance, if you hit wildlife, another common road hazard, or have your car stolen or vandalized it will fall under comprehensive. It also covers fires, flooding, and natural disasters.

– Collision

Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle in the event that you are in an accident. Both comprehensive and collision require you to select a deductible and coverage limits.

If you finance or lease your vehicle, you are more than likely contractually required to have these types of coverages.

Driving on dangerous roads puts you in a higher risk category for accidents with other vehicles or other objects that could cause severe damage to your car, making this type of coverage a wise choice.

– Roadside Assistance

Another coverage to consider in your auto insurance policy is roadside assistance. If you hit a pothole and get a flat tire, run out of gas, or you can’t get your car to start, you can call for help at no additional cost if you already have this coverage in place.

The 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Utah

#1 – Shafer Canyon Road

Located in Moab, this road is 18 miles of dirt track. While it is fun and recreational for both bikes and vehicles, its sharp turns and steep track require extreme caution and undivided attention. Accidents often happen here because people have little to no time to react to things.

#2 – Mokee Dugway

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3zvrSuaUGs

Carved into the face of a cliff edge in Cedar Mesa, the Mokee Dugway can be found on Utah Route 261.

This 3-mile road is known for its well-graded, yet steep and unpaved switchbacks. These switchbacks cause issues and confusion for drivers, and are often the scene of accidents, especially for anyone who has been drinking and driving.

#3 – Interstate 80

Interstate 80 runs across the country from San Francisco to New York City, running through northern Utah on its way.

As a busy interstate, this road is prone to fatalities and many accidents each year. This is due to the sheer number of cars on the road, and also because people who drive on an interstate often think it’s fine to drive over the speed limit and while doing other things such as eating or texting on their cell phones.

#4 – Interstate 70

Interstate 70 near Fort Cove had eight fatalities in 2015 alone even though it is one of the only major highways in the state that does not go through a major urban area. Being a rural road can increase the chances of accidents, injuries, and fatalities as well.

Motorists often see wildlife on or near the roads, and if you do have an accident or breakdown in the area, it can be difficult to find help as there aren’t many people in the vicinity.

#5 – U.S. Route 6

Known for its many twists, curves, and turns, Highway 6 has been a place where many have become injured or even lost their lives.

However, local law enforcement insists that slowing down is the key to making this road safer. This road runs from Price to Spanish Fork and goes through a canyon. During 2015, there were eight fatalities on this road by mid-August.

Driving Safely in Utah

While there are many situations and factors drivers cannot control on the road, there are some steps they can take to make their drive a safer one.

• Drive below the speed limit – While it may make logical sense to drive at the speed limit, driving below the speed limit, especially on hazardous roads or in dangerous driving conditions can decrease your chances of being in an accident or experiencing serious damages in an accident.
• Watch out for other cars/pedestrians/wildlife – Always be aware of your surroundings when driving. Pay attention to other objects that can move without any warning such as wildlife, people, and other vehicles. Use defensive driving skills whenever possible.
• Avoid distracted driving – Do not drive distracted. If your cell phone has an away or driving mode, be sure to use that each time you get behind the wheel. If you need to do something on your cell phone, pull off of the road to a safe location.

Comparison Shopping for Car Insurance

Shopping for the best car insurance rate is much easier than it has been in the past, thanks to the internet and online price comparison tools. In order to make sure you are legally compliant with your state’s car insurance laws and have the best policy at a price you can afford, use these tips:

• Ensure that you have adequate coverage
• Compare rates to get the best deal
• Comparison shop at least once a year

By following this advice, you will be certain to find the best coverage in your area for a fair price. An easy way to start comparing car insurance policies and rates is to use an online quote comparison tool. This will help you filter through countless options for coverage quickly and easily.

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