PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

December 4, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

SLCPD Reminds Community Members to Avoid Impaired Driving

SALT LAKE CITY — As the holiday season continues, the Salt Lake City Police Department is reminding community members that impaired driving is dangerous and 100% preventable.

Since November 27, 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department has arrested three people on allegations of driving under the influence.

Overnight on November 30, 2023, the Salt Lake City Police Department investigated four suspected cases of impaired driving.

Nationwide, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were:

●       209 drunk-driving-related deaths during the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday periods in 2020.

●       851 lives lost in drunk-driving crashes in 2020.

●       11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020.

The Salt Lake City Police Department works with other law enforcement, including the Utah Highway Patrol, to conduct enhanced patrols to keep our roads safe.

According to UHP, an arrest is just the first of many consequences a person will face for driving under the influence. Total cost for fines and fees is estimated to run in the neighborhood of $10,000, and that doesn’t include the increased insurance premiums that can result from a DUI arrest.

First-time offenders in Utah can be required to get an ignition interlock device installed on all vehicles registered to them. A DUI arrest can cause some people to lose their jobs, and it can be a barrier to employment, too.

Salt Lake City Police officers receive training on impaired driving investigation, to include alcohol and drug recognition.

The Salt Lake City Police Department strongly encourages community members to appoint a designated driver, use a ride-share service or public transportation if they plan to drink or engage in other activities that may impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

If a community member witnesses or suspects someone driving impaired, they should dial 9-1-1 and be prepared to give the call-taker information about the car, driver, and last known direction of travel.

Photo: A photo of a Salt Lake City police officer talking to a driver during a traffic stop (SLCPD photo, December 4, 2023).

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