Utah’s Highway 6, One Of The Most Dangerous Roads In America

Utah’s Highway 6 has claimed hundreds of lives in the past few decades. Its curves, narrow shoulders and lack of a divider has directly contributed to the carnage.

Highway 6 is the main connector for Interstates 15 and 70, helping truckers get from Salt Lake City to Denver more quickly, and it’s also the main road for travelers headed to southeastern Utah and all the national parks found in the region.

Photo By: Ken Lund

Rural Drivers Face Unique Perils

Besides road construction, what makes remote roadways like Utah’s Highway 6 so perilous?

It might seem odd, but rural drivers are at a higher risk of dying in a car accident than urban drivers. In rural areas, it’s easier to speed. People are also less likely to wear their seat belts. Since they’re farther from major hospitals, they may not get the care they need in time when they’re injured.

Also, drivers passing through remote areas may get lulled to sleep easier. They’re more likely to collide with a large animal. Bad weather makes mountainous roads much more treacherous as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30,057 fatal crashes occurred in 2013, and 53 percent occurred in rural regions as opposed to 47 percent in urban areas.

It’s a fact — rural driving can be deadly.

Road Improvements Are Helping

In the case of Utah’s Highway 6, it has had a negative reputation for good reason. Between 1996 and 2008, 519 fatal and serious injury crashes occurred on this roadway between Spanish Fork and Green River, a 120-mile span. It was previously rated one of the most dangerous roads in America during this time.

Over the past few decades, funds have been dedicated to improving the safety of all of Utah’s highways, and Highway 6 in particular. As of 2013, almost $240 million had been spent on improving Highway 6 — adding lanes, installing rumble strips and placing specific passing lanes at certain points. More road improvement projects are planned.

All the work is paying off. In 2015, only 11 people were killed on Highway 6. Still, Utah officials agree that 11 is too many, and further work must be done to continue increasing safety for all.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Being aware of the dangers of Highway 6 isn’t enough to keep Utah drivers safe. You must make a conscious decision to no longer try to multitask while driving. Keep two hands on the wheel and only drive when you are fully alert.

If you are involved in a crash or your car breaks down and you need immediate help, call Stauffer’s Towing. Just like Highway 6, many of Utah’s roadways can be dangerous, so if you need tow service, Stauffer’s Towing is here for you, 24/7.