Kearns, UT (June 4, 2026) – A 52-year-old man died on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, after his seated e-scooter was struck by a car near 4082 W 5415 S in Kearns. The accident was reported just after 12:15 p.m.
David Hilifiker was riding eastbound on the sidewalk when a westbound vehicle made a sudden turn into a nearby parking structure. He swerved to avoid that vehicle and was then struck by a separate westbound car. Hilifiker was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
No additional details about the drivers of either vehicle were included in the initial report on the crash. The sequence of events is still under investigation, and further information will be released as it becomes available. We offer our sincere condolences to David Hilifiker’s family and loved ones.
What Are the Legal Rules for E-Scooter Riders on Sidewalks in Utah?
In Utah, the rules governing e-scooter use on sidewalks vary by city and municipality, but riders are generally expected to yield to pedestrians and exercise caution near driveways and parking structure entrances. Sidewalk riding can create unexpected conflicts with vehicles making turns, particularly in areas where drivers have limited visibility of the path before completing their maneuver. A vehicle turning quickly into a parking structure may not have adequate time to check for riders approaching along the sidewalk edge.
When an e-scooter rider is struck by a passing vehicle after being forced to swerve, the crash can involve multiple parties and a fast-moving chain of events that is difficult to reconstruct. Utah law treats e-scooters similarly to bicycles in many respects, meaning riders are subject to traffic regulations and must ride in a predictable, visible path. Protective gear, including a helmet, significantly reduces the risk of fatal head injuries in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle.
