SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — On Wednesday night, high school senior Branson Davis was killed in a motorcycle crash in Riverton.
The incident involved Davis’s motorcycle and occurred at approximately 8:15 p.m. Authorities confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene, marking one of eight teen motorcycle fatalities in Utah this year.
According to the Utah Highway Safety Office, motorcycle-related deaths have risen by 32.6%, with 61 fatalities reported statewide in 2023, compared to 46 in all of 2022.
Approximately 46% of those killed were wearing helmets, indicating safety equipment usage remains a concern. Jason Mettmann from the Highway Safety Office emphasized that many factors contribute to motorcycle crashes, and two-thirds of incidents involving cars and motorcycles are attributed to driver error.
“When these motorcycles are crashing by themselves, most often it’s due to speed,” Mettmann said.
Emergency responders were on the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Lane closures were implemented to assist with the investigation and scene clearance.
Mettmann urged both drivers and riders to take safety seriously, stating, “These aren’t just numbers; we’ve had 61 funerals that have needed to be planned this year because of these tragic motorcycle deaths.”
He encouraged riders of all skill levels to pursue training courses supported by the Department of Public Safety, emphasizing the importance of safety on the road.