Car Wrecks Increasing

Jan. 30, 2001-- Reported by News Specialist Kirsten Sorenson

There's been an alarming increase in car accidents on major commuter routes in the Salt Lake area, and police aren't exactly sure why.

Utah Highway Patrol troopers report 600 more crashes in the last three months than the same time period last year.

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Two weeks ago, 10 people were injured in a multi-car pileup that shut down I-215 in both directions.

On the same day, a driver lost control on a slippery I-15 and flipped over an embankment.

Utah Highway Patrol officials say these scenes are becoming all too common. In the past three months, accidents on the valley's major thoroughfares have jumped by 600, compared to the same period last year.

I-215 suddenly seems to be an increasingly dangerous place to drive. On the belt route, troopers reported 546 accidents, compared to 277 during the same time last year. That's 269 more accidents.

Along I-80 from Parley's Summit to the Great Salt Lake, troopers reported 160 more accidents, from 118 to 278.

And on I-15 through Salt Lake County, there were 186 more crashes. That's 497 compared to 311 last year.

A Highway Patrol spokesman says there is a number one reason.

Sgt. Doug McCleve/Utah Highway Patrol: "EXCESSIVE SPEED. NOW THAT DOESN'T MEAN DRIVING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT ALL THE TIME. THAT MAY BE IN A SNOWSTORM OR A RAINSTORM WHERE THERE'S ICE. YOU'RE GOING TOO FAST FOR WHAT THE CONDITIONS WILL ALLOW."

There are other factors besides speed.

Sgt. Doug McCleve/Utah Highway Patrol: "THERE'S A LOT OF DIFFERENT DISTRACTIONS THAT WE DEAL WITH INSIDE THE CAR. THERE'S A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS, DECISIONS THAT PEOPLE MAKE, ATTITUDES, PERSONALITIES COME THROUGH."

Troopers say they see drivers not paying attention, putting on makeup, talking on cell phones, eating, and believe it or not...

Sgt. Doug McCleve/Utah Highway Patrol: "I'VE SEEN PEOPLE READING PAPERS AND BOOKS WHILE THEY'RE DRIVING A CAR. YOU CAN'T DO THAT."

At least four communities across the country have made it illegal to use a cell phone while driving.

A similar law is under discussion at the Utah Legislature It would prohibit drivers from using a telephone, computer or fax machine while behind the wheel.