Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Utah

Utah has its fair share of risky roads and dangerous intersections. Certain highways and city streets have become hotspots for serious accidents, leaving drivers vulnerable to crashes, injuries, and worse.   

Hundreds of accidents happen on these high-risk routes every year, partially because of high speeds, poor visibility, weather conditions, or complex intersections.  

If you’re a Utah driver or planning to take a road trip through the Beehive State, knowing where these danger zones are could save your life. Let’s go over the most dangerous roads in Utah, why they’re so risky, and how you can stay safe.  

1) Interstate I-15  

If you’ve driven through Utah, chances are you’ve been on I-15. It’s the major north-south artery running through the state, connecting major cities like St. George, Provo, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. It also happens to be one of the deadliest highways in Utah.  

The Salt Lake County stretch of I-15, in particular, is infamous for its high accident rates. During rush hours, the lanes become packed with commuters, leading to aggressive driving, sudden lane changes, and tailgating.  

Additionally, winter storms bring icy patches that can turn the freeway into a slippery nightmare. The mix of high speeds and unpredictable weather makes this section of I-15 treacherous.  

Construction zones are another frequent hazard. Utah is in a constant state of growth, and with that comes never-ending roadwork. Narrow lanes, reduced speed limits, and confused drivers make these zones accident hotspots.  

2) Bangerter Highway (SR-154)  

Originally designed as an alternative to I-15, Bangerter was intended to provide a quicker route for commuters without the congestion often found on the main freeway. However, it didn’t quite turn out that way.  

Bangerter is packed with traffic lights and intersections. Drivers speed up between lights, only to slam on the brakes at the next one. This stop-and-go pattern leads to lots of rear-end crashes.   

Plus, with drivers often trying to beat the lights or misjudging gaps, side-impact collisions are pretty common too. In 2022, a 67-year-old driver died after crashing into a barrier on this highway.  

3) Interstate 80 (I-80)  

Part of a cross-country route, the I-80 runs across Utah through Salt Lake City and into the Wasatch Mountains. While it’s an essential road for travel and commerce, some sections of the I-80 are incredibly dangerous.  

One of the most hazardous areas is near Parleys Canyon. The steep slopes, sharp curves, and unpredictable mountain weather make this stretch tricky to navigate. These conditions are particularly risky for truck drivers and winter travelers who aren’t familiar with the area.  

Winter makes the I-80 even riskier. Snowstorms can cause sudden whiteouts, and icy patches increase the chance of losing control, particularly on downhill stretches. Runaway truck ramps are there for emergencies, but the risk of serious Utah accidents remains high.  

4) US Highway 6 (US-6)  

US-6, stretching from Spanish Fork to Price, has earned a notorious reputation over the years as one of the most dangerous roads in Utah. The route winds through mountainous terrain with limited passing zones and sharp curves.  

US-6 is a major thoroughfare for commercial trucks hauling goods across Utah. With large semis frequently crawling up steep inclines or speeding downhill, regular vehicles often find themselves stuck behind them, leading to risky passing maneuvers.  

Another scary aspect of US-6 is its remoteness. Parts of the highway cut through isolated stretches where cell phone reception is weak or nonexistent. In the event of an Utah accident or breakdown, it might take time for emergency responders to arrive.  

Notable accident hotspots on the US-6 include:  

• Soldier Summit Area  
• Tie Fork Canyon  
• Price Canyon  

Though improvements have been made over the years—such as added guardrails, wider shoulders, and passing lanes—the road still poses serious risks for drivers who aren’t paying attention or underestimate its dangers. If you face an accident on this road, your best bet is to consult an accident lawyer in Utah.  

5) SR-9  

As the main highway leading to Zion National Park, SR-9 offers some of Utah’s most stunning views. But it’s also a tricky road to navigate, more so during peak tourist season.  

The part of the road near the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel narrows and winds sharply. Unfortunately, not everyone slows down and navigates blind corners carefully, leading to dangerous situations.  

Heavy traffic is another major issue. During peak months, cars, RVs, and tour buses clog the highway. Tourists often stop suddenly to snap photos or pull over to enjoy the views, which catches other drivers off guard and frequently causes rear-end collisions.  

Utah’s Most Dangerous Intersections  

1. 5400 South & Bangerter Highway (Taylorsville)  

This intersection sees a high volume of traffic, especially during morning and evening commutes. The mix of local drivers, high speeds, and short merge lanes increases the risk of rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.  

2. 12300 South & State Street (Draper)  

Located in a busy retail area, the 12300 South & State Street intersection is chaotic during shopping seasons. Frequent left turns, distracted drivers, and heavy pedestrian traffic cause frequent accidents.  

3. 1300 East & 2100 South (Salt Lake City)  

The 1300 East & 2100 South intersection is situated in the heart of Sugarhouse and is known for heavy traffic, a steady stream of cyclists and pedestrians, and confusing angles that make navigation tricky. The congestion often leads to fender benders and more serious accidents.  

4. 2100 South & 700 East (Salt Lake City)  

Heavy pedestrian traffic from nearby schools and businesses adds to the chaos at this busy intersection. Drivers speed up to make green lights, increasing the risk of accidents in Utah during peak hours.  

How to Stay Safe on Utah’s Roads  

Knowing where the risks are is only half the battle. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay safe.  

Check the Weather  

Utah’s weather can change fast. You might start your trip in sunny weather and run into snow or fog just an hour later. Before hitting the road, check the forecast and plan for conditions like rain, snow, or strong winds that can make driving dangerous.  

Drive Defensively  

Always expect the unexpected. Watch for aggressive drivers, cars running red lights, and people making sudden stops or lane changes. Staying alert gives you time to react and avoid Utah accidents.  

Use the “Two-Second Rule”  

Keep at least two seconds of space between your car and the one in front of you. In bad weather, double that distance to give yourself more time to stop.  

Stay Alert  

Distractions are dangerous. Put your phone away, keep both hands on the wheel, and focus on the road. A moment of distraction can turn into a serious accident in Utah.  

Over to You  

Utah’s roads offer some of the most scenic drives in the country—but they can also be some of the most dangerous. We hope this post gives you some insight into the most dangerous spots, so you can reduce your risk and get where you’re going safely. Stay sharp, drive smart, and keep an eye out—Utah’s roads demand it.  

If you or a loved one has been injured due to reckless drivers, poor road conditions, or dangerous intersections, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.  

At Henriksen & Henriksen, we’ve been helping Utah residents fight for the compensation they deserve after life-changing accidents. Our experienced accident lawyers in Utah understand the risks on Utah’s roads and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.   

Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. Call Henriksen & Henriksen today.