WEST JORDAN, Utah — As Independence Day approaches, Utah is seeing another annual increase in DUI-related deaths on its roads. In the middle of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, state troopers urge everyone to “resist death” and make good choices before they get behind the wheel.

This holiday weekend, law enforcement from 14 different agencies are teaming up on 90 extra DUI shifts to encourage Utahns to drive sober and plan for a safe ride. The Utah Highway Patrol launched a mid-summer campaign called “Resist Death.”

“As you travel this weekend, number one, do not get behind the wheel and drink and drive,” Maj. Jeff Nigbur, assistant superintendent of UHP, said.

That’s the most important choice in resisting death and reducing the number of DUI crashes. It’s a Grim Reaper’s take on a serious problem that’s growing. Last year, there was an average of 29 DUI arrests per day in Utah and 61 alcohol-related fatalities.

“We can enforce until our face turns blue, but unless we have the understanding of the public that this is a serious issue that could potentially affect them, we really need to make good decisions behind the wheel,” Nigbur said.

Resist death by choosing a sober ride.

“We want people to be aware and defy death because we want everyone to remember that if you feel different, you drive different,” said UHP Sgt. Cameron Roden.

Don’t let friends and family drive drunk. Save a life: If you see an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

“You and I can make the difference,” Dirk Burton, major of West Jordan, the city where the campaign kick off event was held Thursday, said. “If we see it, we can do it; we don’t have to wait for the officers to see that. We can be the eyes on the road. We can make those calls.”

State parks officers will be watching, too.

“They’ll be doing some boating checkpoints out on the lakes and reservoirs as well,” Nigbur said.

Troopers are also on alert for excessive speeding, and they’re urging everyone to buckle up for a safe holiday.

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KSL TV is committed to be part of the solution. That’s why we’ve kicked off our “Road to Zero Fatalities: You Hold the Key Campaign,” which encourages everyone to follow the ABC’s of safer driving.

• Drive Attentively.
• Drive Buckled.
• Drive Calm.

You can take the pledge here.