A devastating chain-reaction crash on westbound I-80 on January 16 tragically took the life of Derek Lowe, a 47-year-old husband, brother-in-law, and uncle.
The crash occurred during severe traffic congestion caused by two earlier accidents along the same stretch of highway. According to Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) Lt. Chamberlin Neff, traffic in both lanes was slowed or stopped when a driver failed to stop in time and made an abrupt lane change, triggering the fatal collision. Lowe, on his way home from work, was caught in the fiery aftermath and lost his life at the scene.
Lowe’s family was heartbroken when he didn’t return home that night, recalling how their family chat became a lifeline during moments of worry. “We are always texting, ‘Is everyone home safe?’ Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get ahold of him,” shared Emilie Stahl, Lowe’s niece.
Lowe was remembered as a kind and caring man. “He was seriously the best uncle that anyone could have asked for. He loved and cared for every single person that came into his life and didn’t let them go,” said Hayley Stahl, another niece.
Efforts to improve safety on I-80 are underway, according to Geoff Dupaix, a planning manager for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Upcoming projects include improvements to I-80 between the SR-202 connection and Milepost 99, with long-term plans to widen the interstate and create a separate corridor for SR-201.
Lowe’s family hopes these changes will make a difference. “We can’t stop the growth and the congestion, but we can stop not paying attention to being around all of the busyness,” Emilie Stahl said.
Safety Tips to Prevent Similar Tragedies
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Always allow at least three to four seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you, especially in high-traffic areas or during congestion.
- Plan for Congested Roads: Stay vigilant when driving in busy areas, and avoid sudden lane changes that could put yourself or others in danger.
- Reduce Speed During Traffic Backups: Slowing down well in advance of a traffic jam can help prevent chain-reaction crashes.
Free Legal Consultation for Accident Victims
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, the attorneys at Parker & McConkie are here to help. We understand the emotional and financial toll these events take on families, and we’re dedicated to helping you seek justice and compensation.
Call us today for a free consultation at 801-509-9283 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone—let us help you understand your options.
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