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UHP out in full force on deadliest driving day of the year

Posted at 11:37 PM, Jul 04, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-05 01:37:56-04

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Department of Transportation says Independence Day is Utah's deadliest driving day of the year, and the Utah Highway Patrol was out in full force to keep everyone safe.

Troopers are cracking down after seeing an increasing number of summertime fatalities because of speed and not buckling up.

"For this weekend, we're on extra shifts looking for seat belt violations, speed. We want to make sure everyone is safe," said Trooper Jeff Washburn.

UDOT says that in the last five years, there were are an average of 20 fatalities every Independence Day weekend.

But aside from a fatal motorcycle accident in Davis County on Wednesday, it's been a pretty safe holiday so far.