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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Highway Patrol troopers and dozens of local law enforcement officers introduced the larger-than-life snow folks to remind shoppers to have a safe and happy holiday season, free from drunken driving, at The Gateway in Salt Lake City on Thursday.
"We are asking all Utahns to help keep our roads safe this holiday season. Don't drink and drive. Help those who have been drinking get home safe, and call us if you see someone driving impaired. Together, we can celebrate a safe and DUI-free holiday," said Sgt. Ted Tingey from the Utah Highway Patrol.
As part of the campaign to reduce driving under the influence, the Salt Lake City Police Department will conduct two more enhanced DUI operations this holiday season. The SLCP Motorcyle Squad will conduct police stops supported by officers with mobile intoxilyzers.
- 135 traffic stops
- 10 DUI arrests
- 27 citations issued
"Holiday parties are a great way to catch up with friends and family, but they can also be an easy way to overindulge - not just in food but alcohol," said Deputy Chief of Special Operations, Terry Fritz. "Don't let your tidings of great joy turn to great sorrow."
According to the report from the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, in 2012, there 13,031 DUI arrests, and 35 Utahns died from DUI related accidents.
"When we take a DUI driver off the streets, that means one less person capable of causing a potentially fatal accident that night," Fritz said. "And that's a very good thing any time of the year."
