OGDEN -- Fewer people have died on Utah roads so far this year compared to 2010.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, between January and June 2011, 91 fatalities have occurred statewide. During the same time period last year, 96 fatalities were reported statewide.
Since June, 12 more fatalities have been recorded statewide, bringing the total to 103 as of Wednesday.
Year to date, nine fatalities have been recorded in Weber County, six in Davis County, and three in Box Elder County.
In 2010, the state recorded 235 traffic fatalities, the lowest number in 36 years and a 37 percent drop since 2000.
UDOT, in announcing those numbers earlier this year, also noted significant declines in recent years in "behaviors contributing to deadly crashes," such as driving while fatigued, speeding and lack of seat belt use.
With more people hitting the roads this holiday weekend, officials are urging drivers to be more patient and cautious because of the added traffic.
"Just be patient," said Tania Mashburn, public information officer for UDOT. "There will be extra traffic. Slow down, especially in construction zones. We want everyone to get to their destination safely."
Those who are traveling this weekend can go to udot.utah.gov and click the "Know When, Know Why" button to get a list of construction projects going on around the state to help them better plan their itineraries.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Jimmy Higgs said more troopers will be out this weekend looking for those who are speeding, not wearing seat belts or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
"July itself is the deadliest month of the whole year," he said. "More people are out and about for the holiday. There is a lot more traffic flow. Just watch your speed, drive safely, and wear your seat belt."
Mashburn said one of the most important things to remember when traveling, especially during the summer when traffic fatalities increase significantly, is to buckle up. The largest portion of fatalities -- 33 this year -- has been due to improper restraint.
"I think the biggest thing people can do -- and it sounds so simple -- is just to buckle up," Mashburn said. "It's the biggest problem we are seeing, and it's such a simple thing. A lot of people aren't doing it, and it definitely saves lives."
Speed-related accidents were to blame for 24 fatalities this year, followed by 21 caused by impaired driving, five blamed on distracted driving and three which were fatigue-related.
"Those are the five that most often come into play in fatal crashes," Mashburn said. "We ask everyone to be aware of their surroundings. Don't drive distracted, impaired or aggressive, and follow the speed limit."
Traffic safety authorities report 38 fatalities have occurred so far this year in what they refer to as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," the period from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend when significantly more fatalities are recorded. The number of fatalities during the deadliest days are exactly the same as last year heading into the Pioneer Day holiday. Last year, three fatalities occurred over the July 24th weekend.
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