This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah Highway Patrol troopers are urging drivers to wear their seat belts as the "100 deadliest days" for motorists on the state's highways is underway. Two fatalities were recorded over the Memorial Day weekend — traditionally marking the beginning of the summer season.
A bicyclist died Saturday after a black BMW struck him as he was riding eastbound on 3300 South in Millcreek. He was not wearing a helmet.
Kevin Bushman, 51, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, officials said.
A second fatality happened on Sunday at around 2:36 a.m., when a 1990 Chevrolet pickup traveling east on SR-24 went off the road about seven miles east of Torrey in Capitol Reef National Park.
The driver, Michael W. Anderson, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor in the crash, according to a news release. Anderson was the sole occupant.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce said the summer months are dangerous times to be on the road.
"People often think the winter times are the most dangerous, but that's not the case," he said. "The summer months are the most deadliest time of the year."
Royce said that 17 percent of the state's drivers don't wear their seat belts, and cause more than 50 percent of Utah's highway fatalities. In the summer of 2014, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, 95 drivers were killed on the roadways.
HB79, a mandatory seat belt law, went into effect May 12 for Utah drivers.
Under the new law, drivers can be pulled over for driving without a seat belt.
A motorist will be warned on first offense, and fined on the second offense with an option to complete an online safety course in lieu of paying the fine.
Motorists can expect a fine and ticket for a third offense.