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FARMINGTON -- A controversial website that would post repeat drunk drivers' information, including mugshots and blood alcohol levels, will not go online without public input first.
A coalition of law enforcement and community groups calling themselves "Davis Helps" said they would solicit public opinion before deciding whether to launch the website.
"We're testing the pulse right now to see what people think of something like this," said Brent Wilhite, a member of the group. "If they're outraged and it's something that the public does not want, then we won't do it. We don't want to be a menace to society, of course."
The group is backed in part by a federal grant to help reduce drunken driving in Davis County area. Officials with Davis Helps have said that DUI crashes have risen 87 percent over the past five years. The group claims Davis County has the highest number of drunk driving crashes in Utah per capita.
Part of the program pushed by Davis Helps includes billboards and road signs urging drivers to call 911 if they see a suspected drunk driver. The most controversial is the website.
"It's a somewhat innovative approach," Wilhite said in an interview with KSL NewsRadio on Friday. "Utah's not the only one that's doing that. Other states have done similar databases. The information is already public information."
What the website would do is include mugshots and blood alcohol content reports from the time of arrest. It has already drawn questions about privacy and public castigation about whether it goes too far.
Wilhite said they decided to solicit public comment to determine whether to launch the website in the fall.
Regardless, Wilhite said the debate has raised awareness about drunken driving in Davis County.
"It makes sure people understand that socially, drunk driving is not acceptable in Davis County," he said.
Public comment will be taken in an online forum at DavisHelps.org.
E-mail:bwinslow@ksl.com
