SALT LAKE CITY - About 30 troopers from the Utah Highway Patrol worked overtime Monday night and Tuesday morning to help keep impaired drivers off the road.
The overtime hours were made possible in part by a $5,000 donation from New Car Dealers of Utah.
UHP's annual New Year's DUI blitz is meant to reduce the number of fatal accidents and to deter people from driving under the influence.
UHP says most people are prepared for New Year's Eve celebrations with designated drivers or other plans to not drink and drive, but sometimes people are unprepared or they just don't think they'll get caught.
"We want people to be responsible, take taxis. We want people to call their friends. But for those who don't do that, that's what we're out here for," said UHP Col. Danny Fuhr.
NCDU's "Good Wheels" program also allows members of the public to ride along with troopers and see DUI arrests in action.
"It's just a thrill seeing what they do every day, day in and day out It's just a rush. I think it's way fun," said Nathan Bickmore, an 18-year-old citizen who has participated in ride-alongs.
UHP troopers made 30 DUI arrests in Salt Lake County alone. Another 10 arrests were made by Salt Lake City police.Watch FOX 13 News and fox13now.com for additional DUI arrest numbers as they become available.
