ROAD TO ZERO

Extra officers to patrol Utah roads in April looking for distracted drivers

Apr 11, 2024, 1:31 PM | Updated: 1:43 pm

LINDON — Law enforcement agencies across Salt Lake and Utah Counties announced Thursday that officers and Utah Department of Safety troopers are working extra shifts on Utah roads with unmarked vehicles to patrol for distracted drivers.

The blitz comes at a pivotal time. 

So far in 2024, Utah has reached over 940 crashes caused by distracted drivers, many of whom were texting while driving, officials said. 

Stop for Students: The dangerous distances you drive when distracted 

Maj. Steve Salas with Utah Highway Patrol said on any day troopers are on patrol catching distracted drivers who are not 100% focused on driving. 

“People are distracted. Texting, checking emails. Looking things up on their phone,” Salas said. 

It is why year after year, officers listen, hop on, and head out for a Distracted Driving Blitz.

 This includes officers in unmarked vehicles. 

“If you get that unmarked vehicle next to people, you can see their behavior. You can actually capture it,” Salas said. 

Throughout the month, 44 police agencies across Utah are working over 400 additional shifts focused on distracted driving enforcement.

“Utah’s population is increasing. Our registered vehicles are increasing. Our highways are busy,” Salas said.

If you think you see more patrol, you would be right, as the Highway Safety Office triples enforcement efforts this year.

The Distracted Driving Blitz comes just before the 100 Deadliest Days, a period on Utah roads when fatalities tend to see a significant rise.

Patience can change Utah’s 100 deadliest days

This is another reason to send that text later. 

“Just stay off your phone, unless you need it for an emergency. If you need to call in and report something, or it’s a medical emergency just stay off your phone while you’re driving on the highway,” Salas said.

Thursday, spotters will mainly be covering the Wasatch Front and I-15.

KSL 5 TV Live

Road to Zero

(Spanish Fork Police Department)...

Josh Ellis and Garna Mejia, KSL TV

Police: Spanish Fork road rage suspect dies after fleeing from officer, crashing into tree

A 27-year-old Springville man died early Friday morning after police say he crashed into a large tree in a Spanish Fork yard.

3 days ago

...

Josh Ellis and Cary Schwanitz, KSL TV

Four people injured in wrong-way crash in St. George

State troopers temporarily closed northbound I-15 near the Utah-Arizona state border Thursday morning due to a wrong-way crash.

25 days ago

A man driving while speaking on a cell phone....

Brianna Chavez

UHP to increase enforcement during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Monday marks the start of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and UHP is increasing enforcement on the roads.

28 days ago

A truck hauling construction materials fishtails out of control on I-15 Wednesday. (Kyllie Smith-Fr...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Dash cam shows close call with unsecured trailer on I-15; UHP says driver left behind mess

An extremely close call with an unsecured trailer was captured on a driver's dash camera that made for some heart-stopping moments on I-15 this week.

1 month ago

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong way crash early S...

Garna Mejia

Family grieves the loss of a man killed in Sunday’s wrong-way crash

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning.

1 month ago

A Kaysville police officer stopped a wrong-way driver on I-15. (Tanner Siegworth, KSL TV)...

Josh Ellis and Emma Benson, KSL TV

Kaysville police officer stops wrong-way driver on I-15

A Kaysville police officer crashed head-on into a car to stop a wrong-way driver on Interstate 15 early Friday morning.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Extra officers to patrol Utah roads in April looking for distracted drivers