Utah DPS warns drivers to watch for motorcyclists, pedestrians amid warm December

Utah DPS is warning drivers to be wary of pedestrians, bikers, and motorcyclists on the road during the warm December weather. Photo: Volodymyr Proskurovskyi//UnSplash

UTAH — With fatal motorcycle deaths already surpassing last year’s record, Utah public safety officials are urging drivers to stay vigilant as mild December weather keeps pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists active on roadways statewide.

“The warm weather continuing this far into the season highlights the elevated risks vulnerable road users (VRUs) face. We urge Utahns to focus on sharing the road and be extra careful when driving around pedestrians and cyclists,” said Katherine Hemphill, Vulnerable Road Users Program Manager at the Highway Safety Office. “Motorists need to drive focused, sober, and alert to avoid tragic consequences in a crash. VRUs should take extra care in making themselves visible by using reflective gear, phone flashlights, and being predictable to motorists.”

So far in 2025, 37 pedestrians, 70 motorcycle riders and passengers, and seven bicyclists have been involved in fatal crashes on Utah roads. Motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatalities this year, shattering last year’s record of 53 deaths, according to DPS.

Crash investigators have found that many fatalities occur when drivers fail to see pedestrians in the dark or changing light, when pedestrians cross outside intersections or marked crosswalks, and when vehicles swerve around salwar cars and strike someone on the road.

“Many drivers may not expect to see pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists on our roads this late in the year. Safety is a shared responsibility, and all of us need to remember that dangerous driving is a choice,” said Jason Mettmann, Communications Manager at the Utah Highway Safety Office. “Slowing your speed ensures that you have enough reaction time and distance to keep others safe. VRUs need to use roadways properly by following signs and signals, wearing helmets when they ride, and illuminating themselves in low light conditions.”

DPS released several safety notices for motorcyclists, pedestrians and parents, and drivers to help keep the roads safe this holiday season.

Motorcyclists:

• Wear a helmet – Riders are 2.5 times as likely to have fatal injuries when involved in a crash compared to those who wear a helmet
• Ride sober – impairment slows your reaction time and judgement of risk
• Take a rider skills course – DPS offers seasonal discounts at ridetolive.utah.gov
• Slow your speed – 40% of single-vehicle rider fatalities in 2025 involved speeding

Pedestrians & Parents:

• Bring your own light – use a phone flashlight or clip-on LED
• Wear or carry something reflective
• Cross where drivers expect to see you – avoid mid-block crossings
• Push the button to give yourself extra time to cross safely
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road when possible

Drivers:

• Slow down in dark or congested areas
• Actively scan, not only for cars, but for people – especially in parking lots and near crosswalks
• Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk
• Drive focused – put your distractions away. 38% of VRU-related crashes involving a motorist were caused by a driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way