UHP launches ‘Speeding Wrecks Lives’ campaign as deadly crashes rise

MURRAY, Utah — The Utah Highway Safety Office and Utah Highway Patrol are pushing the message for drivers to slow down.

One of the ways they’re doing that includes participating in the national “Speeding Wrecks Lives” campaign.

With the holiday weekend approaching, they will also be increasing their presence on Utah roads because traffic moves fast, and often, too fast. 

“We are stopping people for speed. We’re talking to them. We’re having that conversation,” said UHP Patrol Lt. Jalaine Hawkes.

⚠️Utah drivers!

Starting today – Aug. 14, you’re going to see more law enforcement on the roads.

The message? STAY SAFE AND SLOW DOWN! 🚙💨

12 Utah law enforcement agencies across the state will be working over 200 extra speed enforcement shifts. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/mHxdwZldun

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) July 20, 2022

Sometimes Hawkes said that conversation is happening over and over.

“We’ve seen numerous situations just in the last month where someone has been stopped for a high rate of speed over 100 mph and then is stopped a very short time later at the same rate of high speed,” she said.

Albeit the former warnings, the spike in speed isn’t slowing down. 

“In 2017, we stopped just over 3,000 drivers for speeds over 100 mph. But in 2022, we’re already close to 3,500 cars stopped,” said UHP Sgt. Cameron Roden. “If we continue at the same trend, we could potentially double 2017.”

Today on @KSL5TV – the new nationwide campaign they’re taking part in and the record we’re on track to beat… that’s not a good one.

— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) July 20, 2022

Starting Wednesday, law enforcement will be focusing on combatting that trend. 

“The enforcement is going to be happening statewide because this is a statewide problem,” Roden said.

Drivers can expect to see more speed enforcement July 20 through August 14, with 12 Utah law enforcement agencies across the state working over 200 extra speed enforcement shifts.

“We are absolutely pursuing anyone who is violating those key areas — impaired driving is right up there with it. And we are absolutely gonna be coming for you to make sure that our message is getting home,” Hawkes said.

Hawkes said some of her troopers have stopped around 200 cars for speeding in the last month. 

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ROAD TO ZERO: KSL TV is committed to being part of the solution. Our “Road to Zero Fatalities: You Hold the Key Campaign” encourages everyone to follow the ABCs of safer driving:

• Drive attentively.
• Drive buckled.
• Drive calm.