SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Highway Patrol urges drivers not to rely on luck while getting home over the St. Patricks Day weekend.

Sgt. Cameron Roden, public information officer with UHP, said to deter drinking and driving, there will be a DUI blitz tonight in the Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, Tooele and Iron Counties.  

“We wanted to add the extra manpower and incentive for people to make sure that they plan ahead, have a sober ride and get home safely,” said Roden. “Because we do want them to have a good holiday, enjoy the day, but make sure that they get home safely.”

Sgt. Roden said he wants people to enjoy the holiday weekend but urges foresight before enjoying your first green beer. 

“The biggest and most important thing for people to do is to plan ahead, have that plan in place to make sure you have that sober ride home,” said Roden. “Whether that be rideshare service, a designated driver, a friend picking you up, have that plan in place beforehand, so that you’re not trying to make arrangements when you’re already impaired.”

While there will be 150 additional DUI shifts from 27 different agencies conducting the DUI blitz tonight, Roden said there will also be additional staffing for DUI deterrence for the rest of the weekend. 

According to a press release from UHP, there have been 152 alcohol-related crashes so far in 2023. 

“The biggest thing that we want people to know is that you know if you decide to drink, don’t drive, because impairment does start with the very first drink,” said Roden. “The best plan is if you decide that you are going to be drinking, just have that plan there, and make sure that you’re not going to drive.”

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