Make safety top priority

On paper at least, Utah drivers' mastery of the rules of the road is about average for the nation, according to a test conducted by GMAC Insurance. Utah drivers ranked 23rd on the exam, which asked 20 questions extracted from several states' motor vehicle licensing tests.

Clearly, more Utahns should know the rules of the road. Equally as important, they need to apply those rules when they are behind the wheel. That means following posted speed limits, obeying traffic signals, wearing seat belts, adjusting speeds according to road conditions and limiting distractions in the car such as talking on cell phones, texting, eating and applying makeup.

The comparison of the states shows that Utahns aren't the worst drivers on the road. However, Utahns could fare much better on many measurements of highway safety. Utah's bumper crop of children means there are a significant number of teen drivers behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that the risk of motor vehicle crashes among 16- to 19-year-olds is higher than any age group.

Utah has fewer fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled than the national average, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics for the years 2004-2008. The Beehive State is well below the national average for alcohol-impaired driving fatalities for the same time period. Both statistics bode well for overall traffic safety in Utah.

However, Utahns' use of seat belts or child safety restraints needs improvement. Some states in the CDC comparisons had observed compliance rates as high as 95 to 98 percent for passengers riding in the front seats of vehicles. Utah's compliance rates varied between 86 and 89 percent for the four-year period.

Overall, GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test found that nearly one in five licensed drivers in the United States would not pass a written exam if administered today. That's roughly 38 million American drivers.

The insurance company poll of 5,202 Americans from 50 states and the District of Columbia found that scores were lower than last year.

This is discouraging, considering the significant improvements in highway safety over the decades, including safer cars, better tires and vastly improved road designs. The greatest variable continues to be the knowledge, skills and attentiveness of drivers.

Safety must be a top priority. That starts with knowing the rules of the road. Utah shouldn't settle for an average rating in this regard.