SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — After a tragic crosswalk crash left an 11-year-old boy in critical condition, many are wondering what can be done to make crosswalks safer.
The Utah Department of Transportation is working to answer that. In March, UDOT announced new technology to improve nighttime visibility at intersections.
“Anything they can do to improve pedestrian safety would be good,” said Ronald Stratfor, a Roy local.
While many factors play into making roads safer for pedestrians and drivers, dark intersections pose a hazard.
According to UDOT, 150 under-mast lights have been installed throughout Utah. About 75 of them are already installed in Davis County.
“Under mast-lighting will go where traditional lighting hasn’t really illuminated the intersection before,” said Nic Naylor, a spokesperson for UDOT.
Under-mast lights are attached to streetlight poles that shine light in the crosswalk.
“Safety improvements are being made to intersections where we see the need,” Naylor said.
The new technology allows UDOT to install these lights where it wasn’t possible before, due to power lines and cost.
Since 2019, there have been an average of 43 fatal auto/pedestrian crashes a year. There have been nine already in 2025.
And while not fatal, the latest crash left 11-year-old Jayson fighting for his life.
“They’re not doing great,” said Riley Camomile, Jayson’s cousin, who spoke to 2News earlier this week. “Everyone’s main priority is how Jayson is doing and what we can do for him.”
The intersection where Jayson was hit will also get an under-mast light, UDOT said.
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