Last year, Utah had the fewest highway deaths in 36 years. At the mid-point of 2011, the state is on track to have even fewer this year.

Between January and June, Utah had 91 traffic deaths this year compared to 98 last year, the Utah Department of Transportation reported on Thursday.

However, UDOT notes that the Pioneer Day weekend is the middle of what it calls the "100 deadliest days of summer," which runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. During that time, fatalities increase considerably — so UDOT is urging extra caution now.

"We must remember that even one fatality is one too many," said Robert Hull, UDOT traffic and safety director. "As you're traveling or just out driving over the Pioneer Day holiday, remember to buckle up and avoid the behaviors that most commonly cause crashes – distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving and speeding," he said.

As of Wednesday, Utah had 103 traffic-related deaths this year. UDOT said 33 involved improper restraint, 24 were speed related, 21 involved impaired driving, three were fatigue related and five involved distracted driving.

In 2010, Utah had 235 traffic fatalities. That was the lowest since 1974, when the state had 228.