WHAT: The Utah Department of Health and Utah Department of Transportation will hold a press conference to share stories of families who lost a child in a motor vehicle crash in 2016. An exhibit commemorating the lives of 120 teens killed on Utah roads over the last 10 years will also be unveiled to the public and will remain on display through the holidays.
WHY: In 2016, 34 teens were killed on Utah roads. Excessive speed was the number one contributing factor in fatal crashes involving a teen driver last year in Utah. Nationally, the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16- to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. In fact, per miles driven, teen drivers aged 16-19 years old were three times more likely to be in a fatal crash compared to drivers aged 20 and older.
WHO:
Families of teen crash victims:
- Tonya Terry, mother of 18-year-old Drex Taylor
- Brad & Jenny Montague, parents of 16-year-old Erica Montague
- Dan & Elizabeth Nielsen, parents of 15-year-old Joshua Nielsen
- Travis & Natalie Fenton, parents of 16-year-old Lexie Fenton
- Kristina Morris, mother of 17-year-old BaiLee DiBernardo
State safety advocates:
- Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director, Utah Department of Health
- Colonel Michael Rapich, Utah Highway Patrol
- Carlos Braceras, executive director, Utah Department of Transportation
WHEN: Monday, October 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: The Shops at South Town
Upper level
10450 South State Street #2320, Sandy, UT 84070
Enter through the Northeast dining terrace door between JCPenney and Forever 21.
Visuals include an exhibit, including photos of every teen story printed in the Teen Memoriams over the last 10 years, as well as memorabilia from select teen crash victims and their stories.
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Media Contact:
Jenny Johnson
(o) 801-538-9416
(m) 385-290-7826