SALT LAKE CITY -- Officers are hoping to catch people driving under the influence this holiday season.
Salt Lake City Police are increasing patrols and enforcement over the next few weeks in their efforts to stop and deter drunk driving.
According to the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice DUI/alcohol-related fatalities went up from 25 to 39 between 2010 and 2011. DUI/drug-related fatalities went up from 25 to 30 over the same period.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Salt Lake City Police Department Motorcycle Squad conducted its first enhanced DUI operation of the holiday season. They made 135 traffic stops, processed 10 DUIs and issued 27 citations.
"Unfortunately some people make that decision not to be responsible and not do the right thing. We hope that nobody does that, but sometimes that does happen," said Rick Wall, Salt Lake City Police Department.
The next enhanced DUI operation is planned for Saturday night. They also plan to increase patrols on New Year's Eve.
