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SALT LAKE CITY — The number of fatal crashes over the Memorial Day weekend was down in Utah this year compared to last year, according to Utah Highway Patrol statistics.
UHP reported 110 crashes on Utah’s roads over the holiday weekend. One was fatal.
Rebecca Riley died and her husband, Dave Riley, was critically injured after a rollover crash Saturday morning on I-15 in Clearfield. Their four children received minor injuries.
Last year, at least four people died in crashes over the Memorial Day weekend.
This year, Friday through Monday, troopers stopped 6,892 vehicles. More than half of those were speed-related stops.
UHP made 56 arrests for DUI and another 43 alcohol-related arrests. The agency added 230 additional trooper shifts and DUI checkpoints during the holiday weekend.
Totals:
- Total vehicles stopped — 6,892
- Speed related stops — 3,734
- DUI arrests — 56
- Alcohol-related arrests — 43
- Total crashes — 110
- Fatal crashes — 1
- Seatbelt contacts — 353
From midnight on May 23 until 11:59 p.m on May 26, troopers made 56 arrests for DUI and 43 alcohol-related arrests such as having an open container or minors in possession, said UHP Sgt. Todd Royce.
Royce said troopers were given 230 extra shifts for DUI, seat belt and speed enforcement over the Memorial Day weekend.
"There were more resources out Friday and Monday than there were on Saturday and Sunday," he said.
The Memorial Day weekend begins the 100 deadliest days of the year, he reminded, and ends Labor Day weekend.
"A lot of people think that winter is probably the most deadliest time of the year, and that's not necessarily the case. The number of crashes increases when it's snowing, but the severity of crashes increases when the weather is good," he said.
Troopers are now gearing up for the next heavy travel summer holiday, the Fourth of July.
