For Immediate Release:

DUI enforcement increased statewide before “Holy War” and Labor Day weekend
DPS hosts educational campaign reminding Utahns to always choose a safe and sober ride

SALT LAKE CITY​ (August 22, 2019) – ​Law enforcement agencies throughout Utah have been
participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown on impaired drivers. As a
result, Utahns can expect to see an increase in DUI enforcement now through September 2.
During this time over 210 extra DUI shifts are being worked by 26 different Utah law
enforcement agencies. Media interested in scheduling a ride along please contact the Utah
Highway Patrol Public Information Office at 801-554-5659.

Research performed by the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) discovered ​the number
one reason why Utahns risk driving impaired is due to overconfidence in sobriety​. To
help correct this misconception, DPS is hosting a “Know Your Limits” campaign. This
educational campaign reminds Utahns to avoid overconfidence by planning a safe and sober
ride.

“Most people never go out expecting to drive home drunk. So what’s happening? Too many
people think ‘I’m fine’ when they really aren’t. Too many crashes happen because someone
thought ‘I’m good’ but they weren’t,”said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel Mark Zesiger. “Even
one drink can be one too many. Always find a safe and sober ride.”
 *Download the​ digital campaign assets here

The increased enforcement and educational campaign are strategically planned to coincide with
the national Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown, BYU vs. Utah game, Labor Day and
the end of summer. The “Know Your Limits” campaign allows DPS to remind Utahns to always
choose a safe ride.

“Choices made behind the wheel impact everyone on the road,” said Zesiger. “So please don’t
risk driving impaired. Protect your life and the lives of those around you by planning for a safe
and sober ride.”

Every incidence of drunk driving is 100 percent preventable if individuals act responsibly. The
responsible choice is to plan for a safe and sober ride home. Utahns can designate a sober
driver, call a cab or a sober friend, or use rideshare. It’s never okay to drink and drive.

In 2018, there were 10,035 arrests for DUI in Utah, that’s an average of 27 arrests per day.
Drivers ages 21-39 have the highest number of drunk drivers in fatal crashes and 72 percent of
the impaired driving arrestees are male. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) estimates that
the average drunk driver will risk driving impaired more than 80 times before his/her first arrest.
On average in Utah, 33 people die each year due to an individual's choice to drive impaired.

The Utah Department of Public Safety recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and
driving:
● Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic
beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing
service to get home safely.
● If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
● Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make
arrangements to get your friend home safely.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Utah Highway Patrol
801.554-5659