This Is The Most Dangerous Time For Falling In Utah

Utah is already a state where falls are dangerous.

In 2022, Utah recorded an unsettling 1.6 deaths per 10,000 people from unintentional falls, surpassing the national average of 1.1 per 10,000. Could it be our higher elevation and love for the great outdoors? With Utah's high saturation of national parks, Utah's unique and dangerous landscape can be setting the stage for gravity to be our greatest foe.

So, we should hike more carefully, but did you know which season is the worst for falls? It's the appropriately named fall season. Most people think winter is the worst for accidents, but there are more reported in the fall than any other season. It really is the season to be more careful for several reasons. One of the biggest is the dwindling light; the transition from long, bright summer days is hard on us. This can affect us on the road, on a hike, or even just tooling around the house.

Also, we assume slipperiness in the snow and ice, but elements like wet leaves—which can be as slippery as ice—can catch us off guard. Fallen limbs, leaves, and harvested plants can all be unexpected tripping hazards.

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So, take some extra time during your travels this season. We live in an accident-prone state, especially with fatal falls, and this season is peak for reported accidents. There’s no place like home for the holidays—but preferably not in traction.