‘Utah’s 100 deadliest days begin’: Officials, family of fatal accident victims remind drivers that choices behind the wheel matter

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — As Utah's 100 deadliest days creep up on us, the Utah Department of Public Safety hosted a briefing, reminding drivers that the choices they make behind the wheel matter. Family members of people who have fallen victim to road fatalities spoke out, urging the public to drive with caution and that hasty actions have lasting consequences. Major Chamberlin Neff with the Utah Highway Patrol took to the podium to express gratitude to the family members who chose to speak, praising their bravery and fortitude. He also left a message for Utah drivers. "Every decision that you make while driving carries a consequence," he said. In 2026, there have been 77 fatalities on Utah roads so far, and over the past 5 years, there have been 11 fatalities during Memorial Day weekend. Nuff added that state troopers deal with these sometimes "fatal mistakes" on a daily basis. "As we enter into the 10 deadliest days of summer, we are asking Utahns to make safe choices every time they get behind the wheel," he added. "Those choices really do matter and make an impact." Eli Taylor Mitchell was hit and killed by a drunk driver just four years ago. Eli was riding his bike to the store to use his brand-new debit card. When he didn't return home, his parents found out that he had been hit and killed by a drunk driver who then fled the scene. "Not one day goes by where we do not think about Eli and miss him," said Lisa Mitchell, Eli's mother. "I think people assume that time heals all wounds," she added. "It doesn't get easier; it actually gets harder." "Time doesn't heal," said Jeremy Mitchell, Eli's father. "It is kind of a death sentence for us." Eli, Lisa and Jeremy Mitchell (Courtesy: Nicholas Rewey KTVX) John Gleason, Public Relations Director for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), told ABC4.com that with Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, they are marking the beginning of what is known as Utah's 100 deadliest days. "The main trouble spot is going to be US-6, Sanish Fork Canyon," Gleason said. "We are anticipating at least 90 extra minutes of delay due to ongoing construction in the area." The height of the traffic is expected on Friday evening, beginning at about 7:00 p.m. and continuing until early evening on Monday, so UDOT is encouraging commuters to plan their trips wisely. The 100 deadliest days run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, so as we get ready to take off on summer adventures, Utah officials plead with drivers to be vigilant and to remember that the choices they make have rippling impacts.