SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A string of road rage incidents across Utah this spring is drawing renewed attention to a relatively new state law aimed at curbing violent driving behavior — and early data shows one month consistently stands out.

2News analyzed figures from the Utah Highway Patrol on how often troopers have used the state’s road rage enhancement law since it took effect in July 2024. The data, which reflects UHP enforcement only, reveals that March has recorded the highest number of road rage charges in both 2025 and, so far, 2026.

“You know, when things happen, you can’t take them back,” said Peter Salm. “It’s permanent.”

Salm’s brother and his brother’s girlfriend were killed in 2023 when a driver lost control during a road rage incident and hit them head-on. The tragedy helped spur Salm’s push for tougher penalties, which ultimately became law.

“Sadly, there’s still way too many people out there who don’t seem to get the message,” Salm said.

Before the law, UHP said it had no formal way to track road rage incidents.

“It seemed like they were getting more frequent,” said Lt. Cameron Roden, a public information officer with UHP.

Since data collection began, troopers have averaged about 14 road rage cases per month in 2025 where the enhancement law was applied. But March stands apart.

“We had a really high month a year ago March where we had probably the highest month that we saw with 31 incidents,” Roden said. “So maybe a little bit eye-opening for us.”

In March 2026, troopers have recorded 16 incidents so far, again the highest monthly total this year.

MORE | Road Rage

Roden said the reason for the spike is unclear.

“You know a lot of it is kind of speculation at this point looking forward,” he said, suggesting seasonal factors could play a role as more drivers return to the roads after winter.

The law is also giving investigators a clearer picture of whether enforcement efforts are working.

“It’s not something that’s going to go away overnight,” Roden said. “Just because the law is there, we still are experiencing these things.”

Salm echoed that sentiment.

“Sadly, it’s going to probably be a slower process than what I would like to see as well as the highway patrol,” he said.

Additional UHP data on road rage and aggressive driving crashes from 2018 through 2026 shows patterns in where and when incidents occur:

• 53% happen on Interstate 15.
• 46% occur in Salt Lake County.
• 17% take place on Saturdays, the highest of any day; Tuesdays have the fewest.
• 31% result in injury or death.

The data also shows impairment is not a factor in most cases, with only 10% involving an impaired driver. However, among those who were impaired, 35% had a blood alcohol content above .16.

Salm said the numbers underscore a simple message for drivers.

“You need to be careful what you’re doing and just slow down and just let it go,” he said. “You don’t need to act out against somebody who’s cut you off. It doesn’t really solve anything.”

Reflecting on his own loss, he added a final warning:

“You know, when things happen, you can’t take them back. It’s permanent. It’s my brother’s situation. There’s nothing we can do on this planet anymore to bring them back. They’re gone forever. Your best option is to not do it in the first place — just bite your tongue, just let it go and go back home, see your loved ones and blow off some steam and live another day.”

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WYOMING, Mich. — Starting May 1, the city of Wyoming is implementing odd-even outdoor water restrictions for homes and businesses to minimize the burden on its water treatment plant during upcoming water main construction.

The restrictions impacts the following neighborhoods:

• City of Wyoming
• Olive Township
• Blendon Township
• Holland Township
• Georgetown Township
• Jamestown Township
• Gaines Township
• Byron Township
• City of Hudsonville
• City of Grandville
• Western portion of the City of Kentwood

Under the upcoming restriction, residents and businesses with an odd-numbered address can water outdoors on odd days of the month. Those with an even-numbered address can water on even days.

The mandate limits activities like watering lawns, landscaping or filling pools. It does not impact water used for drinking or bathing.

“Municipal leaders ask for the community’s support of the outdoor water use restriction during construction which will increase capacity and reliability,” a statement from the city reads. “In this interim, compliance with the restriction will help avoid an outright ban for everyone on outdoor irrigation.”

The restrictions will remain in effect through June 15.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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The San Francisco 49ers bounced back from a 6-11 season in 2024 to go 12-5 in 2025. It marked the third time in four years that Kyle Shanahan’s squad had posted at least 12 wins and the fourth time in five years it had won at least one playoff game.

However, the 49ers saw their season end in unceremonious fashion. The eventual Super Bowl 60 champion Seattle Seahawks smashed them 41-6 in a divisional-round playoff game that highlighted some of San Francisco’s key weaknesses.

Still, that the 49ers were able to log a six-win improvement was impressive considering they played in the difficult NFC West and that starting quarterback Brock Purdy was limited to nine regular-season games by a turf toe injury. Mac Jones comported himself well when Purdy was dealing with injury, while Shanahan schemed up a quality offense despite consistently being undermanned at receiver.

2026 NFL DRAFT: The biggest remaining need for all 32 NFL teams

With that in mind, the 49ers could once again emerge as a Super Bowl contender if they can improve their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft. San Francisco will naturally get better from the return of Nick Bosa, but improving its pass rushing should be one of the top priorities for John Lynch and the front office.

Here’s everything to know about the 49ers’ picks, needs and outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft:

49ers 2026 NFL Draft picks

The 49ers have six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s the complete list:

• Round 1, Pick 27
• Round 2, Pick 58
• Round 4, Pick 127
• Round 4, Pick 133
• Round 4, Pick 138
• Round 4, Pick 139

MAX IHEANACHOR: From football beginner to NFL draft in 4 years

49ers NFL draft grades

This section will be updated after the 49ers make their first selection.

49ers 2026 NFL Draft needs

Offensive line

The 49ers could use an upgrade at left guard but also need to think about finding a successor for Trent Williams, who turns 38 in July. Players like Max Iheanachor, Blake Miller and Caleb Lomu could all make sense as developmental tackle options that could also begin their careers at guard.

Edge rusher

San Francisco posted the second-worst pressure rate in the league last season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The 49ers should improve in that area with Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams returning from season-ending injuries, but fortifying the pass rushing rotation needs to be a priority for John Lynch.

Wide receiver

Mike Evans and Christian Kirk signed with the 49ers in free agency, but the team could stand to add young depth to its rotation behind the 32- and 29-year-old veterans. Using one of the team’s many mid-round selections on a pass-catching understudy to partner with Ricky Pearsall long-term would be wise.

49ers 2026 NFL mock draft

Here’s what the 49ers could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly’s seven-round mock draft:

• Round 1, Pick 27: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
  • San Francisco hasn’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since Mike McGlinchey in 2018. It may be time to do so. The 49ers have some questions at left tackle with Trent Williams’ future in doubt. Even if he’s back, the team could use more from its left guard after losing Spencer Burford in free agency. Lomu is a young prospect and could start at guard immediately before moving to left tackle – where he played for Utah – in time. His athleticism and anchor in pass protection give him a solid floor to work with in the NFL.
• Round 2, Pick 62*: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
  • Nick Bosa should be back healthy in 2026, and the team got a pass-rush boost with Osa Odighizuwa arriving via trade. But the team could use more pass rushers to fill out the edge room, especially with 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams having more of an impact as a run defender early on. Lawrence is full of tools with prototypical size and elite burst off the line. He’s more of a projection at this point but could develop well under Kris Kocurek.
• Round 4, Pick 116**: WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
• Round 4, Pick 133: S VJ Payne, Kansas State
• Round 4, Pick 138: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal
• Round 4, Pick 139: Edge George Gumbs Jr., Florida
• Round 5, Pick 170*: LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama

* Projected trade with Denver Broncos.

** Projected trade with Tampa Bay Buccaneers.