UDOT

Families of teens killed on Utah roads share their grief in hopes of saving lives

17th annual Teen Memoriam honors teens and urges drivers to be patient on the roads

WHAT:

In an effort to increase teen driver safety, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invite media to a press event where families will share stories of losing a teenage child in a motor vehicle crash in 2024. National Teen Driver Safety Week, happening October 19-25, is a nationwide campaign focused on preparing teens to be safe on roads, emphasizing the importance of education, experience, and parental involvement.

In 2024, there were 18 teens killed on Utah roads. Each year, a Teen Memoriam book is created to share their stories. Now in its 17th year, the Teen Memoriam is used in high schools and communities to educate teens about safety. Two families of teens honored in this year’s book will share their plea to the public about safe driving at the event.

WHO:

• Heather Borski, assistant deputy director, DHHS

• Carlos Braceras, executive director, UDOT

• Wendy and Randy Cowley, parents of Jaxx Cowley

• Debra Knudson, parents of Alexus Sarle

• Colonel Michael Rapich, DPS

• Spanish speaker – UHP Trooper Leonardo Flores

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: 

UHP Section 4

2780 West 4700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84129

(The old DLD Building, next to Chevron)