Crash Data and Statistics
Looking for in-depth information? The Utah Crash Summary, produced annually, identifies and describes the trends and effects of traffic crashes in Utah. The statistics within the Utah Crash Summary describe factors that contribute to the occurrence of crashes, and crash-related injuries and fatalities. The Utah Crash Summary provides an in-depth view of each year’s crashes, and details information regarding the persons and circumstances involved in these events.
Looking for information at a glance? The Utah Crash Fact Sheets quickly summarize the detailed information found in each section of the Utah Crash Summary. The fact sheets are colorful, informative and are particularly useful when presenting information to others.
Where does the crash data come from? The data for the Utah Crash Summary and Utah Crash Fact Sheets is derived from Utah crash reports. These reports are completed by law enforcement officers throughout the state who investigate crash scenes on public roadways. Information is collected when a crash involves injuries, deaths or at least $1,500 property damage. Crash reports are forwarded to the Utah Department of Public Safety for central collection. Additional information is collected on fatal crashes at the Department of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Office and compiled into the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. FARS is a national data system containing data on all fatal traffic crashes in the U.S.
Records Request (GRAMA)
Most motor vehicle traffic crash data requests can be answered by the data provided in the annual Utah Crash Summary and fact sheets. The Utah Department of Public Safety Highway Safety Office responds to all requests for records made under the Governmental Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA).
Motor vehicle traffic crash reports are protected and confidential and may be disclosed only in accordance with Utah Code 41-6a-404.
The DI-9 crash report is available through the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and is disclosed only to [41-6a-404 (3)(a)]:
- A person involved in the crash, excluding a witness
- A person suffering loss or injury in the crash
- An agent, parent, or legal guardian of a person in the crash
- A member of the press or broadcast new media subject to 41-6a-404 (3)(d)
- A governmental agency that uses the records for official governmental purposes
- Law enforcement personnel
- A licensed private investigator
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AN INDIVIDUAL POLICE REPORT, YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT INVESTIGATED THE CRASH
If you are interested in additional statistical information from the motor vehicle traffic crash reports that is not provided in the Utah Crash Summary and fact sheets, then please complete the GRAMA Request Form. Completed forms can be emailed to Gary Mower at gmower@utah.gov.
The Utah Department of Public Safety may charge a reasonable fee to cover actual cost of providing a record. The actual costs may include the following: The cost of staff time for compiling, formatting, manipulating, packaging, summarizing, or tailoring the record either into an organization or media to meet the person’s request; the cost of staff time for search, retrieval, and other direct administrative costs for complying with a request; and in the case of fees for a record that is the result of computer output other than word processing, the actual incremental cost of providing the electronic services and products together with a reasonable portion of the costs associated with formatting or interfacing the information for particular users, and the administrative costs. If a fee is charged the first 15 minutes of staff time is free. The requestor may be required to pay a deposit on estimated fees before beginning to process a request if fees are expected to exceed $50.00.
The Utah Department of Public Safety has 10 working days to respond to the information request. This time starts when the request reaches the appropriate personnel for the requested files.
For more information, contact
Gary Mower
gmower@utah.gov
801-707-1731