Utah County, UT (May 9, 2025) – A crash occurred Thursday night, May 8, at approximately 9:55 p.m. on U.S. Route 89 near milepost 302—roughly three miles south of Birdseye. Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, and at least one person sustained injuries in the collision.
Authorities temporarily shut down parts of the highway while first responders worked to treat the injured and clear the roadway. Utah Highway Patrol estimated the area would be reopened by 10:53 p.m., though traffic in the region remained backed up for a short period.
As of now, details remain limited regarding how many vehicles were involved or what caused the crash. The Utah Department of Transportation and law enforcement are continuing to investigate.
We hope those injured in this accident make a timely recovery.
Car Accidents in Utah
Utah’s rural highways, including US 89, see a considerable number of nighttime collisions. Last year, the state logged over 61,000 traffic crashes, with rural and two-lane roadways being among the most hazardous for serious or fatal wrecks. Low visibility, fatigue, and higher speeds all contribute to the increased risk during evening and late-night hours.
Here are a few key concerns specific to nighttime driving accidents in rural Utah:
- Limited Lighting: Highways like US 89 often lack streetlights. In darkness, a driver’s field of vision is narrowed, increasing the risk of failing to see curves, obstacles, or other vehicles in time.
- Animal Crossings: Wildlife is more active at night and collisions with deer or elk are more likely in Utah’s mountainous and open road regions.
- Driver Fatigue: After long hours behind the wheel, especially on isolated roads, drivers may become drowsy or lose focus, raising the risk of drifting or reaction delays.
- Reduced Traffic Visibility: Headlight glare from oncoming traffic and lack of reflective signage can impair driver judgment, especially in adverse weather.
- Delayed Emergency Response: In rural areas, it often takes longer for ambulances or tow crews to reach the scene, making injuries more serious if not addressed promptly.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash like this, don’t wait. Contact a Utah County car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected and to begin pursuing full compensation for medical costs, pain, and other losses.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, our Utah-based legal team has more than 150 years of combined experience helping injured clients throughout the state. Whether your accident occurred in the city or on a dark stretch of rural highway, we’ll stand by your side and fight for the recovery you need. Consultations are always free, and we charge nothing unless we win your case. Call (801) 500-4000 today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
