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Tooele Drive Wise - Zero Fatalities

Zero Fatalities - A Goal We Can All Live With

Zero Fatalities is all about eliminating fatalities on our roadways through education. 

Some people may think zero is an impossible goal, but when it comes to the lives of your friends and family, would any other number be acceptable to you? Since Zero Fatalities was first established in Utah in 2006, the goal has been Zero Fatalities, and it remains the same today. Reaching this goal starts with you. Join us on the road to Zero Fatalities today.






Learn more at zerofatalities.com

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Drive Alert

Have you ever found yourself blinking a little too long behind the wheel or struggling to keep your head up during a long drive? You’re not alone. Many of us underestimate the dangers of driving while drowsy. But the truth is, fatigue can impair your ability to make decisions, slow your reaction time, and put lives at risk – yours and others’.

The effects of fatigue are comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol. Taking a moment to pull over, switch drivers, take a short nap, or eat a snack could make the difference between a safe arrival and tragedy. Remember, drowsy driving kills.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUrof8LMvEk
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTb0hCt9FEI&t

Infographic of road with cars and facts about drowsy driving

Drive Buckled

The little things in life can make a big difference.  

It’s easy to forget. We jump in the car excited for an adventure or in a hurry to get somewhere and we forget to take the quick and easy step that could mean the difference between life and death for those we love or ourselves: Buckling Up.  

Seat belts are the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury. Over the last five years, almost half of all people who died on Utah’s roads weren’t buckled. 

Make it a habit to buckle up as soon as you get in the car. Create a visual reminder like putting a sticky note on the dashboard or get your kids involved and make it a game to see who can get buckled the fastest. 

Not only is wearing a seat belt required by law, but it’s also a simple act that can make a life-changing difference for you and everyone who cares about you.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gD3I_6S3go
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YblB2rOgMCw&t

Image of a teddy bear buckled up in the car.

Drive Calm

We all know exactly what an aggressive driver looks like. Or do we? Aggressive driving is a lot more than instances of road rage. It can be speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield, tailgating, weaving, and more. All of these illegal activities can have disastrous consequences. Find what calms you and keeps you focused on the road.

Video: https://zerofatalities.com/drive-calm/

Bar Chart showing aggressive driving fatalities in Utah.

Drive Focused

Driving distracted is dangerous. In fact, 80% of drivers identified distracted driving as a top factor contributing to traffic deaths and injuries in Utah. Driving is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibilities. As a driver, you are responsible to pay attention and focus on driving. Be determined to turn off those distractions whatever they may be. Those little distractions are costing lives on our roads and the truth is, we can all drive better behind the wheel. Drive focused. 

Anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road is considered a distraction:

  • Texting, Calling, or Messaging
  • Talking to Passengers or Tending Children
  • Eating or Drinking
  • Adjusting the Navigation System or Music Player
  • Grooming
  • Reading or Watching Videos

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVgYSeNcnCY&t

Zero Fatalities Image for Drive Focused with Individual looking at Phone while Driving.

School Buses & Safety

Every day, school buses carry students through our neighborhoods, city streets, and rural roads. It is crucial to understand the signals of a school bus. 

🔴 Red Lights + Extended Stop Arm = Stop
Whether you're behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction on an undivided road, you must stop until the lights turn off and the arm retracts. Ignoring this law puts lives at serious risk.

🟡 Flashing Yellow Lights = Prepare to Stop
Yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off students. Slow down and be ready to stop — children may be approaching the road.

🚦 Stay Alert & Eliminate Distractions
Most violations happen because drivers are in a hurry, distracted, or unaware of the rules. One careless moment can have lifelong consequences.

Whether you're a parent, commuter, or casual driver, we all have a role to play. Every time we see a school bus, it's a reminder: children are nearby. They’re excited, distracted, and often unpredictable — it’s up to us to be the ones paying attention.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y70n8MbWrn0&t

Photo of children getting off a school bus.

Navigating All-Way Stops

All-way (also called four-way stops) stops are meant to keep traffic safe and organized, but they can be tricky. 

Here’s a quick refresher on the rules to keep things running smoothly:

  • First come, first go – The first vehicle to arrive at the stop has the right-of-way.
  • Yield to the right – If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
  • Straight traffic has priority – If vehicles from opposite directions are going straight, they can proceed together.
  • Left turns yield – Left-turning vehicles must yield to those going straight.
  • Always stop for pedestrians – Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times.

Knowing the rules isn’t just about passing a driving test—it’s about protecting lives every single day. Understanding who goes when, how to yield, and how to communicate with other drivers is key to making all-way stops work the way they’re supposed to.

Diagram of a four-way stop and what to do.

Yield to Pedestrians

Every pedestrian is someone’s loved one — a child heading to school, a parent walking to work, a grandparent crossing downtown. Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking across the street, we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe.

👩‍✈️ Drivers — Do Your Part:
 ✔️ Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
 ✔️ Slow down in neighborhoods, school zones, and high-foot-traffic areas
 ✔️ Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
 ✔️ Make eye contact with pedestrians before proceeding
 ✔️ Stay alert — especially near intersections

🚶‍♂️ Pedestrians — Stay Alert:
 ✔️ Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections
 ✔️ Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before stepping out
 ✔️ Avoid distractions like phones or headphones
 ✔️ Wear bright or reflective clothing at night

Ignoring a crosswalk or stepping into traffic distracted isn’t just unsafe — it’s a risk no one should take. It only takes a second of awareness to save a life.

Let’s work together to make Tooele’s streets safer — one stop, one step, one choice at a time.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZnGANcB5Lg

Orange flashing pedestrian sign with bicycle and individual crossing in black.

Teen Drivers

Becoming a safe and responsible driver doesn’t begin at age 16—it starts years earlier. Ages 12 to 14 are the pre-driver years, when teens learn by observing how others drive. At 15, they may be ready for a learner’s permit, and by 16, many can earn a driver’s license.

This process isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about learning safe habits, good judgment, and respect for others on the road. Whether it’s a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult, teens need guidance, support, and practice to grow into safe, confident drivers.

Resources, tips, and tools for every stage of teen driving are available at zerofatalities.com. Start early, stay involved, and help build a future of safe drivers—one mile at a time.

Two young children buckled in the back seat of a car watching their mom as she drives.

Drive Safe During Utah's 100 Deadliest Days

Memorial Day through Labor Day marks the 100 Deadliest Days on Utah roads. While summer brings warm days and fun vacations, it also brings more vehicles on the road, longer trips, and increased distractions behind the wheel. 

We are all at risk when dangerous driving increases. 

Here is how we can protect ourselves and each other:

  • Always buckle up
  • Eliminate distractions
  • Never drive impaired
  • Obey road signs
  • Never drive angry

Let’s make this summer safer.

Graph showing the fatalities during the 2025 Deadliest Days of Utah.

Signaling Basics

Turn signals and brake lights aren't optional—they're essential for safe driving. They communicate your intentions to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, helping everyone make safer choices on the road. 

Why Use Turn Signals?

  • Warn others before you change lanes or turn
  • Prevent crashes and road rage
  • It's legally required in most situations
When Are Turn Signals Required?

  • At least two seconds before turning or changing lanes
  • At least two seconds before pulling away from a curb
  • At least 100 feet before turning or exciting a roundabout
  • Anytime your movement affects others
Whether you're on two wheels or four—signal every time. It's not just safe, it's the law.

Car driving on a road with the left turn signal flashing red.

Drive Good

Let's drive good this summer!

Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18mAboovpZ/

Traffic Lights

When traffic lights go dark or disappear behind snow and ice, intersections can quickly become confusing—and dangerous. If you can’t see the signal, or it’s not working at all, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Taking a few extra seconds can prevent a serious crash.
  • Stop Completely: Come to a full stop, just like you would at a stop sign.
  • Check for Traffic: Look carefully in all directions for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
  • Right of Way: If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has the right of way.
  • Proceed with Caution: Once it’s safe, enter the intersection slowly and carefully.
  • Don't Assume: Never assume others will stop or yield—visibility and judgment may be impaired.
  • Use Common Sense: Snow and ice reduce visibility and traction. Slow down and stay alert.

If a traffic officer is directing traffic, always follow their instructions—they override the normal rules of the road.

In winter weather or during power outages, safety depends on patience, awareness, and following the basics. Stay calm, stay cautious, and help keep everyone on the road safe.

Zero Fatalities Graphic of Traffic Light with the words no signal doesn't mean no rules written across it.

Drive Good Tooele

What is one thing YOU could do to be a better driver?

Video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1380300376354954