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Jed Boal Reporting Defensive driving is a concept taught in driver's education and it's a good strategy every time we get behind the wheel.
Many people will ring in the New Year this holiday weekend. Some will drive drunk. Community awareness has reduced the number of drunken driving deaths. In addition, there are some precautions we can all take when we drive.
On Christmas Eve morning police say an accused drunk driver ran a red light and slammed into a car carrying six members of the Ceran family. The crash killed the mother and two children. It's unlikely the family could have prevented the crash, but often we can tilt the odds in our favor.
Lt. Shawn Judd, Utah Highway Patrol: "You can only control your driving actions, you can't control others. The first thing you should do is make sure yourself and other occupants in the vehicle are properly restrained."
That should always be the first step in defensive driving. Also, be aware of other vehicles around you. As you start from an intersection on a green, before you proceed, make sure that other cars aren't running a red light.
Lt. Shawn Judd: "It is your obligation as a driver, even though you have a green light, that you cannot proceed through that intersection until it's safe to do so."
Between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. on any given weekend night, the trooper says about 10 percent of all drivers on the road are impaired.
Over the years, police and the community have reinforced the importance of designated drivers, especially on nights like New Year's Eve.
Lt. Shawn Judd, Utah Highway Patrol: "That night, it's pretty common to stop people that already have a designated driver. That's good, that's what we like."
If you spot a hazardous driver who may be impaired you can call 9-1-1 to report it. You may even help the UHP track the car. A plate number and description of the vehicle are a good start.
Lt. Shawn Judd, Utah Highway Patrol: "If you can stay with it at a safe distance in a safe manner, that is very helpful."
The UHP DUI squad will patrol this weekend. Extra state troopers will also be out on the roads. The additional shifts are funded by the Utah Auto Dealers Association.
If you drink, and need a ride, AAA of Utah will take you and your car home, free. Tipsy Tow is open to everyone from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. New Year's Day.
Call 1-800-Triple-A-HELP for a free tow home of up to five miles.