Utah Highway Patrol shares safety tips for New Year, new storm
Dec 30, 2021, 4:28 PM
( Jeffrey D Allred/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Highway Patrol is warning residents and travelers about the winter storm. It’s expected to arrive late Thursday night and last through Friday.
“We hope everyone has a safe New Years’ weekend and let’s try to have less (sic) crashes this storm than we did the last,” Utah Highway Patrol said in a tweet.
We have a few requests for this next snow storm that’s about to hit.
– Please slow down.
– If you crash please move off to the next exit if you can, its safer for you and us.
– If you can’t move it off, stay in your car with your seat belt on. pic.twitter.com/o7UIbZcKt3— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) December 30, 2021
Those with plans on New Year’s Eve and are on the roadways are asked to slow down, and to travel at a safe speed that reflects the road conditions.
Drivers that end up in a collision should move off the roadway. The UHP makes this request for your safety and for the safety of first responders.
If moving isn’t possible, stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt buckled up.
If you see flashing lights or safety response crews on the side of the road reduce your speed, and move over if possible to help keep them safe.
The Utah Highway Patrol reminds you not to drink and drive
Lastly, the UHP asks drives to avoid driving under the influence. “We are not the Uber you are looking for.”
Along those lines, the UHP says it is teaming up with The Western States Traffic Safety Coalition to ring in the new year. They said that 25 different law enforcement agencies will work 160 extra DUI shifts as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Impaired Driving Enforcement Mobilization.
It’s part of an increase in DUI enforcement across the state of Utah that began December 15th and extends through January 1st.
“Every year, we see bad decisions, people choosing to drink and drive resulting in horrible, violent, destructive consequences,” said UHP Colonel Michael Rapich.
“So we are making one request; as you celebrate, if you choose to drink, please do not drive.”
Related stories:
- Family of bride killed in I-15 crash pleads: Don’t drink and drive
- UHP troopers out in force for St. Patrick’s Day DUI Blitz
- State troopers will be looking for intoxicated drivers over Easter weekend
- DUI enforcement will increase over New Year’s weekend