Utah Highway Patrol urges drivers to stay sober this Fourth of July

MURRAY — The Utah Highway Patrol will start increased DUI screening and enforcement Tuesday night in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday.

UHP scheduled 47 additional trooper shifts to search specifically for impaired drivers today, Wednesday and Thursday.

With more people on the road, UHP Sgt. Jared Cornia said Utah usually has several fatal crashes around this holiday.

KSL tagged along for a ride with Cornia to scout for dangerous driving behavior. Cornia is a drug recognition expert, meaning he has additional training and experience looking for impaired drivers.

“When I say impaired that’s not just alcohol. That’s any kind of drugs that you’re using — that includes prescription drugs as well,” he said.

Over the last three years, Utah’s seen five fatalities on July 4 involving impaired driving, unbuckled passengers, and speeding.

On this day, Cornia reminded a couple drivers to slow down, including a family headed to Idaho for their Fourth of July celebration plans.

Cornia also urges drivers to watch out for impaired drivers. He said there are a few signs drivers can look out for.

“You’ll see those differences in speed, obviously lane travel, not being able to stay in their lane, they’re not using their signals,” Cornia said.

Bottom line, he asks drivers to stay sober.

“People like to go out and celebrate the holiday and drink, and that’s fine as long as they’re being responsible with it and making sure they have a designated driver or are using Uber or Lyft,” Cornia said.

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