A 42-year-old Pocatello man was killed early Sunday in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 15, according to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) Authorities said the man was pronounced dead at the scene after his pickup truck veered off the highway and rolled several times.
The crash occurred near milepost 366, just north of Tremonton, at approximately 4:10 a.m., closing the northbound lanes for several hours while investigators and emergency crews worked to clear the scene.
Driver Ejected in Early Morning Rollover
According to troopers, the driver—later identified as Michael Peterson of Pocatello, Idaho—was traveling northbound in a silver Ford F-150 when he drifted off the right shoulder of the roadway. The truck entered the median, rolled multiple times, and came to rest upside down in the brush.
Peterson was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, the UHP confirmed. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders from Box Elder County Fire and EMS.
A preliminary investigation found no passengers in the vehicle, and no other cars were involved. Authorities believe fatigue or distraction may have been contributing factors, though the investigation remains ongoing.
“Early indications suggest the driver may have fallen asleep or lost focus before the vehicle left the roadway,” said UHP Sgt. Cameron Roden. “This tragic crash serves as another reminder about the importance of wearing seatbelts and staying alert behind the wheel.”
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Michael Peterson, 42 |
| Hometown | Pocatello, Idaho |
| Vehicle | Ford F-150 pickup truck |
| Crash Time | 4:10 a.m., Sunday |
| Location | I-15, Milepost 366, Box Elder County |
| Cause | Under investigation (fatigue/distraction suspected) |
| Seatbelt | Not worn |
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) temporarily diverted northbound traffic while troopers conducted crash reconstruction and debris cleanup. Lanes were reopened by 8:30 a.m.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Warnings
The Utah Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash, including toxicology reports and vehicle data retrieval. While weather conditions were clear and dry, troopers said early morning fatigue often plays a role in rural highway crashes.
The National Weather Service confirmed calm driving conditions in the area at the time of the crash, ruling out weather-related factors.
This incident adds to a troubling trend on Utah’s interstates this year. According to UHP data, there have been 78 fatal crashes statewide in 2025 as of mid-October, a 6% increase compared to the same time last year. Roughly 35% of those deaths involved drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts.
“Seatbelts remain the single most effective safety feature in a vehicle,” said Sgt. Roden. “More than half of the fatalities we investigate could be prevented if drivers and passengers simply buckled up.”
Officials also warn against drowsy driving, particularly on long-distance routes like Interstate 15, which stretches more than 400 miles across Utah.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that fatigue-related crashes tend to increase during overnight and early morning hours when drivers’ alertness naturally decreases.
The UHP urges drivers to use the UDOT Traffic app to check for road closures, delays, and rest area locations before long trips.
Community Reaction and Road Safety Reminder
Peterson’s death marks the second fatal crash in Box Elder County this month. Local residents expressed condolences to the family and frustration about ongoing road safety issues.
“We see so many accidents on I-15, especially late at night,” said Tremonton resident Kevin Hunt, who drives the route regularly for work. “People underestimate how dangerous fatigue can be.”
The Utah Highway Safety Office continues to promote statewide campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket” and “Don’t Drive Drowsy” to combat the leading causes of fatal crashes.
Authorities recommend that drivers:
- Take a break every two hours on long drives.
- Pull over safely if feeling tired.
- Always wear a seatbelt, even for short trips.
- Avoid distractions such as phones or eating while driving.
UDOT has also been working to install rumble strips and improved signage along rural segments of I-15 to reduce lane-departure accidents, which account for nearly one-third of Utah’s highway fatalities each year.
The fatal single-vehicle crash on I-15 claimed the life of Michael Peterson, 42, of Pocatello, early Sunday morning in northern Utah. Investigators believe fatigue or distraction may have contributed to the accident, which resulted in the driver being ejected from his vehicle.
The Utah Highway Patrol continues to investigate while reminding drivers to prioritize alertness, seatbelt use, and safe driving practices. As Utah’s highways grow busier with winter travel approaching, officials say vigilance remains the best defense against tragedy on the road.
