PROVO, Utah – A series of fatal crashes along US Highway 189 near Deer Creek Reservoir has raised concerns about the safety of the road, prompting officials to take action.
The latest incident occurred on Saturday, when 24-year-old Cory Hughes lost his life in a collision between his motorcycle and a Toyota Prius. This comes after a similar crash in June, where a motorcyclist sustained serious injuries in a collision with a Toyota Tacoma. Tragically, another fatal accident occurred in April, resulting in the deaths of both drivers.
According to Utah Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Cameron Roden, high speeds have been a contributing factor in these fatal crashes. The area has a posted speed limit of 60 miles per hour, with an advisory speed limit of 50 miles per hour for heavier vehicles. Both Saturday’s crash and the April wrong-way collision are currently under investigation.
The repeated tragedies have prompted the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to review the safety of the area. UDOT spokesperson Wyatt Wooley stated that they are committed to making the state’s roads as safe as possible, and will be working with the Utah Highway Patrol to identify potential changes to improve safety at the intersection.
“With that type of a setup, with that sweeping curve and intersecting roads, individuals need to make sure that they’re not just obeying that posted speed limit, but the advisory speeds as well,” said Sgt. Roden.
The efforts to enhance safety on US Highway 189 will involve a thorough study before any changes are implemented, according to Wooley. The hope is to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all travelers in the area.
The string of fatal accidents has brought attention to the need for increased vigilance and awareness on the part of drivers, as well as potential improvements to the road to enhance safety for all who use it. As the investigation into the recent tragedy continues, officials remain committed to finding solutions to prevent further loss of life on this stretch of highway.