DPS NEWS

Impaired Driving Enforcement Happening Dec. 15 – Jan. 1 (Update: event now virtual)

Increased DUI shifts aimed at preventing impaired driving this holiday season

WHAT: The Utah Department of Public Safety and Intermountain Healthcare are emphasizing the importance of making the right choice when it comes to drinking and driving this holiday season. 

To kick off the “Every Sip has a Consequence” campaign, Dr. Wing Province, medical director at Intermountain Park City Hospital, will share his experiences as an emergency medicine doctor and will describe the debilitating and devastating effects that happen when driving impaired. 

Colonel Rapich will also highlight startling statistics and what drivers can do to prevent impaired driving consequences. 

Utahns can also expect to see an increase in statewide DUI enforcement from December 15, 2021 until January 1, 2022. During this time, over 145 extra DUI shifts are being worked by 22 different Utah law enforcement agencies statewide. Officers will be on high alert, looking to get impaired drivers off the roads. This enforcement focuses on the dangers and moral and legal consequences of choosing to drive impaired this holiday season.  

WHEN: Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 10:30 am 

WHERE: Event has been changed to a virtual conference.

*Weather permitting, Zoom as a back-up

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87263306698?pwd=b1BHRFY2UDZHOFM4YnBpd0xQanRrUT09

WHO: 

• Dr. Wing Province, Medical Director, Intermountain Park City Hospital
• Colonel Michael Rapich, Deputy Commissioner, Utah Highway Patrol 
• Sgt. Cameron Roden, Utah Highway Patrol
• Trooper Mikki Vargas, Utah Highway Patrol (Spanish speaker)

VISUALS: (Link to Media Toolkit here)

• Every Sip has a Consequence campaign materials, crash photos 
• Banners/posters at event
• Law enforcement officers in uniform

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sgt. Cameron Roden
DPS/UHP – PIO
croden@utah.gov
801.554.5659

Trp. Mikki Vargas
UHP – PIO (Spanish speaking)
mvargas@utah.gov
385.246.5946