SALT LAKE CITY — Similar to an initiative conducted at Thanksgiving, the Utah Highway Patrol will up its manpower on the state's roadways over the Christmas holiday weekend.
According to a news release the UHP issued Friday, funding has been provided to cover the 150 overtime shifts troopers will fill statewide to ensure that those traveling in Utah will do so safely.
“Our emphasis will continue to be the safety of motorists as they travel to friends and family this weekend of Christmas,” UHP Col. Daniel Fuhr said in the release. “We want everyone to arrive at their destinations safely but that will mean slowing down, wearing seat belts, paying attention and not driving while impaired.”
It is not anticipated that there will not be any serious weather conditions to impair drivers, but there is typically a higher volume of motorists traveling for the holiday, according to the news release. Troopers are reminding Utahns to watch their speeds, wear seat belts, refrain from driving after drinking and put children in proper safety seats.
"The past two years we have not had a traffic related fatality during the Christmas holiday weekend," the new release states. "Our number one mission is to make continue that success for a third consecutive year."