Study Overview

Vulnerable road users (VRU) are people who use roads without the protection of a motorized vehicle and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. In recent years VRUs, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and others, have accounted for an increasing share of traffic fatalities nationwide. In response, the Federal Highway Administration has directed each state to develop a VRU Safety Assessment aimed at identifying risks to these roadway users and developing safety strategies to reduce them.

In 2023, we completed an initial VRU Safety Assessment that looked at data between 2017 and 2022. This analysis included identifying where VRU crashes were occurring, understanding the contributing factors, and developing effective and collaborative solutions to help prevent them. The study found that between 2021 and 2022, VRU fatalities in Utah rose by 35 percent, and suspected serious injuries increased by 15 percent. [Click here to view 2023 Assessment]

UDOT has updated this assessment to incorporate more recent crash data, a more focused look at local streets and addition to highways, demographic information from the Social Vulnerability Index and Healthy Places Index, and analysis of VRU studies from other states to identify best practices that also work in Utah. 

The goal is to improve safety for everyone who uses Utah’s roads.

The final report was completed in February, 2026 and can be downloaded from the document section below.

Why does this study matter?

Utah’s ultimate goal is Zero Fatalities. By studying the history behind crashes involving VRUs, we can learn learn which roads have the highest risk, update infrastructure to improve safety, and build more inclusive transportation systems that help reduce and prevent crashes. The study will contribute to an updated State Highway Safety Plan and improve efforts to build infrastructure that is safer for all road users and gets Utah closer to zero fatalities on its roads. 

Who was a part of this study?

UDOT has collaborated with organizations and agencies across the state to gather data and solicit input for the VRU Assessment.

As part of the consultation process, the study team met with local government officials, metropolitan planning organizations, municipalities, transit agencies, representatives from tribal lands, health agencies, advocacy groups, and underrepresented populations, particularly those in areas identified as high-risk.

Where did this study take place?

This study encompassed all of Utah’s roads, both local and state. As the study team identified areas that were high-risk, they collaborated with local communities and users to understand what challenges are faced in these areas and worked together to identify practical solutions to reduce crashes and improve safety.

Study Timeline

UDOT completed the initial VRU study in 2023. The report included data between 2017 and 2022. 

The next round of study used more recent crash data and refreshed analysis to generate new solutions to reduce and prevent VRU crashes. The updated report was completed in February 2026.

What was the process?

Our team analyzed crash data, identified high-risk areas, and worked closely with stakeholders to understand the underlying factors contributing to risks in specific locations. 

The four key elements of the study included:

1. Gather Data and Perform Quantitative Analysis
   • Statewide data focusing on incidents involving VRUs from 2017-2024 is being analyzed to understand:

• Where crashes occurred
• What types of crashes were most common
• What time of day or year did crashes occur most often
• Patterns in the crash data

2. Identified High Risk Areas
   • Analyzed data to identify the locations where VRU crashes were most likely to occur.
3. Collaborated with Local Partners and Stakeholders
   • Met with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and regional transportation planners to ensure that planning and decision-making were informed by on-the-ground realities.
   • Engaged directly with community stakeholders in areas identified as high-risk to better understand the unique challenges and barriers VRUs face in their daily travel. These conversations helped us gather valuable local insights into what changes could make a meaningful difference.
   • Every community is different, and understanding those differences is key to developing solutions that are both effective and equitable.
4. Developed a Program of Projects or Strategies
   • Using everything we learned, our team built a final plan that addresses how we can improve safety for vulnerable road users.