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 is currently updating this assessment to incorporate the most recent crash data and include a more focused look at local streets in addition to highways, adding demographic information from the Social Vulernatibility Index and Healthy Places Index, and looking at the 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.

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 is a part of this study?

UDOT is collaborating 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 is meeting with local government officials, metropolitan planning organizations, municipalities, transit agencies, representatives from tribal lands, health agencies, advoacacy groups, and underrepresented populations, particularly those in areas identified as high-risk.

Where is this study happening?

This study encompasses all of Utah’s roads, both local and state. As the study team identifies areas that are high-risk, we will collaborate with local communities and users to understand what challenges are faced in these areas and work 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. A copy of this report can be viewed here.

The new round of study uses more recent crash data and refreshed analysis to generate new solutions to reduce and prevent VRU crashes. The updated report is expected to be complete by late 2025.

How is this assessment Completed?

Our team is analyzing crash data, identifying high-risk areas, and working closely with stakeholders to understand the underlying factors contributing to risks in specific locations. 

The four key elements of the study include:

1. Gathering Data and Performing Quantitative Analysis
   • Statewide data focusing on incidents involving VRUS from 2017-2024 is being analyzed to understand:

• Where crashes are occurring
• What types of crashes are most common
• What time of day or year do crashes occur most often
• Patterns in the crash data

2. Identifying High Risk Areas
   • Analyzing data to identify the locations where VRUs are most likely to occur.
3. Collaborating with Local Partners and Stakeholders
   • Meeting with local governments, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and regional transportation planners to ensure that planning and decision-making are informed by on-the-ground realities.
   • Engaging 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 will help 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. Developing a Program of Projects or Strategies
   • Using everything we've learned, our team will build a final plan that addresses how we can improve safety for our vulnerable road users.