- Utah faces rising motorcycle fatalities in 2026, with three deaths just in the last week.
- Utah Department of Transportation spokesman John Gleason highlighted a concerning pattern of solo motorcycle crashes.
- Motorcycle accidents are 10 times more fatal than car accidents; UDOT urges caution on roads.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is facing another dangerous year on its roads as deadly motorcycle crashes continue to climb.
After a dramatic spike in 2025, early numbers from 2026 suggest the trend is far from reversing. In less than a week, three riders have been killed in separate crashes across the state, raising alarms for transportation officials.
The Utah Department of Transportation spokesman John Gleason said last year's numbers were unlike anything the state had ever seen.
"It was beyond concerning: 72. That was unheard of for last year," Gleason said.
Warm, dry weather has arrived early this year, bringing more riders onto the roads — and more risk.
"Just in the last week, we're seeing that trend continue," Gleason said.
Gleason said many of the crashes share a troubling pattern.
"A lot of these crashes are only involving the motorcyclists themselves," he said.
Provo Canyon crash
Last Wednesday, a 20‑year‑old man from Vineyard died after crashing while heading up Provo Canyon. Investigators say he struck the center median barrier and was thrown from his motorcycle.
I‑15 speed‑related fatality
On Saturday night, a 24‑year‑old American Fork man was killed on the northbound Interstate 15 near 10600 South. The Utah Highway Patrol said excessive speed was likely a major factor.
SR‑191 collision near Moab
On Sunday, investigators closed state Route 191 after a driver struck a 79‑year‑old motorcyclist. The rider died at the scene.
Why motorcycle crashes are so often fatal
Motorcycles offer far less protection than passenger vehicles, and Gleason said the numbers reflect that reality.
"Motorcycle crashes are 10 times more likely to result in a fatality than just a regular passenger vehicle," he said.
As temperatures rise and more riders take advantage of the weather, UDOT is urging both motorcyclists and drivers to stay alert.
"There's a lot of maneuverability with motorcycles, but if you're making unpredictable moves, people aren't always on the lookout," Gleason said. "And as drivers, we always have to be watching out for these motorcyclists."
UDOT encourages anyone interested in safety data or statewide crash trends to visit zerofatalities.com, where updated statistics and safety resources are available.
