How Utah hopes these traffic light additions can improve pedestrian safety

Yahoo! News - Mar 30th, 2025

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is taking proactive steps to reduce auto-pedestrian fatalities on state roadways by installing lighting attachments near traffic signals. This initiative comes in response to an average of 43 pedestrian deaths annually since 2019. The new undermast lights, costing about $315 each, are designed to illuminate crosswalks at dimly lit intersections, thereby improving driver visibility of pedestrians. Approximately 150 of these lights have been installed statewide, with particular focus on northern Utah and the St. George area. Dave Townsend, UDOT's traffic signal supervisor, highlights the increased safety benefits for pedestrians, as drivers can better see and react to those in crosswalks.

UDOT plans to expand the installation of undermast lighting across state-owned intersections, particularly where overhead lighting is not feasible due to utility conflicts. The agency has identified nearly 100 locations in Davis County alone for upcoming installations. Over the next five years, UDOT will prioritize intersections for lighting upgrades based on data from areas lacking overhead lighting or with high incidents of auto-pedestrian accidents. This strategic approach aims to significantly enhance pedestrian safety and reduce accident rates, underscoring UDOT's commitment to improving roadway safety across the state.

Road Safety Utah Department Of Transportation Auto Pedestrian Fatalities Traffic Signal Lighting Dave Townsend

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates a timely and relevant public safety initiative by the Utah Department of Transportation, focusing on the installation of undermast lights to reduce pedestrian fatalities. It provides accurate and well-supported information, primarily sourced from UDOT, though it would benefit from a broader range of perspectives and sources. The clarity and structure of the article are strong, making it accessible and easy to understand. However, the lack of diverse viewpoints and critical analysis limits its potential impact and engagement. Overall, the article serves as an informative piece on a significant public interest topic, with room for deeper exploration of the issue.

Accuracy

The story provides accurate data on pedestrian fatalities, aligning with the Utah Department of Transportation's (UDOT) reports that the state averages 43 pedestrian deaths annually since 2019. The claim of nine fatalities in the current year also matches available data. The installation of 150 undermast lights is consistent with UDOT's safety initiatives. The cost of each light at $315 is a specific detail that, while not directly verified in external sources, fits within the context of cost-effective safety measures. Overall, the facts presented are well-supported and precise, with minimal areas needing further verification.

Balance

The article presents a predominantly positive view on UDOT's efforts to improve pedestrian safety, highlighting the benefits of the new lighting system. However, it lacks perspectives from pedestrians, local residents, or independent experts who might provide additional insights or raise potential concerns, such as the effectiveness of the lighting or alternative safety measures. This focus on UDOT's perspective creates a slight imbalance, as it doesn't fully explore the broader community impact or potential criticisms.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a clear and logical manner. It effectively communicates the problem of pedestrian fatalities and the proposed solution of installing undermast lights. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content easy to understand for a general audience. The inclusion of specific details, such as the cost of the lights and the areas of installation, enhances clarity.

Source quality

The article relies on information from a credible source, the Utah Department of Transportation, specifically citing Dave Townsend, a traffic signal supervisor. This provides a strong foundation for the claims made. However, the article could benefit from including additional sources, such as traffic safety experts or local government officials, to enhance the depth and breadth of the information provided.

Transparency

The article clearly attributes information to the Utah Department of Transportation and Dave Townsend, providing transparency about the origin of the claims. However, it does not delve into the methodology used by UDOT to determine the placement of the lights or the specific datasets referenced. Greater detail on these aspects would improve the transparency of the reporting.