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For decades, KSL has been addressing the issue of drunken driving in Utah. It is good to note that significant progress of late is being made.
The status of the DUI battle is detailed in the First Annual DUI Report delivered to the legislature by the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.
Among other things, it suggests awareness is up in the judicial and enforcement communities, communication between various jurisdictions has improved and an impressive sentencing practices guidebook has been distributed to all judges, prosecutors and court personnel that handle DUI cases.
Yet, major deficiencies are obvious too.
Foremost, a central, accurate database containing information about DUI cases in Utah still is not fully functional. Thus, repeat offenders still fall through the cracks. The hang-up is bringing the local Justice Courts on line. Their total involvement is essential since they handle three-fourths of the state’s DUI cases. By legislative mandate, they have until February to begin complying. We hope they do.
As stated in the report, “Utah has the lowest alcohol-related traffic deaths in the nation.” Obviously, that’s commendable. Yet, far too many Utahns still drink and drive and kill or maim others. So, while progress is being made, KSL believes the DUI battle must relentlessly continue.
