In response to Harry W. Patrick’s Jan. 20 letter to editor (“Utah should bring back auto safety inspections”), let's look at the facts.
Utah, mandatory inspections, vs Arizona, no mandatory Inspections.
In 2015, Arizona had 2.4 million registered vehicles, and 201 accidents were caused by operating a vehicle with faulty equipment — or less than 1 percent. (Source: www.azdot.gov.)
In 2015, Utah had 2 million registered vehicles and 301 accidents caused by operating a vehicle with faulty equipment — or less than 1 percent. (Source: site.utah.gov/dps.)
The facts are inspections do nothing but cost the poor struggling family extra money that does not need to be spent.
The truth is, today's cars have better brake pads and rotors, better suspension components, better engine accessories, better engine controls, better safety features than ever in the history of automobiles. Tires are the best ever made, with 40,000- to 60,000-mile lifetime.
The Legislature did the right thing and should be commended.
Let's concentrate on the real reasons for Utah traffic accidents and fatalities.
Top of the list is speeding (especially in inclement weather) and distracted driving. Driving under the influence is still a problem, as well as following too close, pedestrian accidents and motorcycle fatalities.
Kerry Coop, Santa Clara
