CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

As Utah nears 200th fatal crash of 2023, UHP urges extra caution ahead of Halloween

Oct 23, 2023, 6:29 AM | Updated: 7:07 am

the wreckage of a car crash...

(Utah Highway Patrol)

(Utah Highway Patrol)

TOOELE — The Utah Highway Patrol is making plans for what’s expected to be a particularly dangerous weekend on the roads as the state nears its 200th fatal crash of the year ahead of Halloween.

Many of those crashes could have been avoided, UHP indicated, if drivers didn’t get behind the wheel while impaired.

One example over the weekend ended one man’s life and left another man in jail.

UHP Sgt. Brian Peterson said troopers responded to the Knolls area on Interstate 80 in Tooele County Saturday after a car hit a Sprinter van and trailer that were parked on the side of the highway.

According to court documents, the driver pulled the Sprinter van and trailer over and got out to check the tires. His father was riding in the passenger seat.

Shelby Secrist, 43, is accused of hitting the trailer and then the son, killing him. Troopers believe Secrist was impaired.

“They’re also investigating exactly what was going on with him, but he was arrested for DUI,” Peterson explained. “And that’s a big issue that we’re seeing on Utah roadways. And we have to stop that. It’s not acceptable.”

Court documents state Secrist blew negative for alcohol on the breathalyzer, but troopers discovered drugs and drug paraphernalia in his car, as well as an open container. Troopers reported that his speech and demeanor were sluggish, and his eyes bloodshot and glassy-looking with tightly constricted pupils.

It’s not always alcohol

Peterson explained that’s not always alcohol that becomes deadly.

“We’re seeing drug DUIs, marijuana, cocaine, even prescription drugs,” he said. “Anything that’s impairing you, including alcohol, you should not be driving if that is in your system.”

Saturday’s crash, paired with one Sunday morning up near Kimball Junction inched the state closer to the threshold of the 200th fatal crash in Utah in 2023.

The number is now at 199, according to statistics Peterson had from a week ago, paired with additional fatal crashes reported over the past week.

This coming weekend could bring more trouble, being the weekend before Halloween.

“As a department, the Highway Patrol, we’re going to have extra shifts. We’re going to have extra troopers out there,” Peterson said of UHP’s plans. “We’re going to be looking for those impaired drivers and we will take action.”

UHP is making plans now for DUI blitzes, and they urge drivers to start planning now, too.

Peterson does not want someone else making the same mistake Troopers responded to in Tooele County, which led to a father losing his son and a driver facing serious consequences.

“Make the decision beforehand. If you’re drinking, just do not drive, make other plans,” Peterson said. “There’s plenty of Ubers out there. There’s public transportation. Call a friend, whatever you can do.”

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

judge retention bill...

Adam Small

Utah bill proposes 67% vote requirement for judicial retention

Under current Utah law, a simple majority is needed in the general election for judicial retention.

20 hours ago

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

2 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

2 days ago

FILE — A Salt Lake City Police Department squad car. Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Sq...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest two people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for suspected drug-trafficking operation in Library Square. 

4 days ago

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Getty)...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

4 days ago

Santa Clara murder charges...

Jacob Freeman

Charges brought against 15-year-old in Santa Clara murder case

A 15-year-old has been charged for killing a family member and wounding another in a Santa Clara home on Jan. 30.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

As Utah nears 200th fatal crash of 2023, UHP urges extra caution ahead of Halloween