The Utah Department of Public and Safety (DPS), in partnership with the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) and WCF Insurance, is encouraging Utahns to plan ahead for safe transportation during summer celebrations. To promote safe choices this July, WCF Insurance is providing a $12.50 Lyft rideshare credit available statewide throughout the summer holidays, which can be redeemed by scanning QR codes on campaign materials at participating bars and restaurants.
Increased statewide DUI enforcement blitz
Law enforcement agencies are launching a July statewide enforcement blitz to combat impaired driving during holiday periods. This initiative includes over 200 additional DUI enforcement shifts throughout July 2026, with participation from 29 Utah law enforcement agencies. Officers will be conducting stops and arrests based on observed signs of impairment to identify both alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired drivers.
Financial costs of impaired driving
Officials noted that the financial consequences of driving impaired can be significant. While a night involving food, drinks, and a rideshare might cost approximately $50, a DUI can result in costs of $20,000 or more. These expenses include attorney fees exceeding $5,000, fines and surcharges over $1,390, and vehicle impound and towing costs above $800, alongside increased insurance premiums.
Personal and life-altering consequences
Beyond financial impacts, the personal toll of a DUI can include job loss, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. The ultimate cost cited is the potential for serious injury or death.
Fatal crash statistics in Utah
Recent data highlights the severity of impaired driving in Utah. Between 2021 and 2025, alcohol-related driver crashes were found to be 15 times more likely to be fatal than other types of crashes. In 2025, 102 individuals died on Utah roads due to drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Arrest statistics from SFY 2025 show 10,923 DUI arrests, averaging 30 arrests per day with an average BAC of 0.14. Statistics from 2021 to 2025 indicate that alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities, while drug-related fatalities accounted for 40 percent.
Demographic data shows that drivers between the ages of 21 and 39 have had the highest number of impaired drivers in fatal crashes over the last ten years, and approximately 73 percent of DUI arrests are male.
The public is encouraged to call 911 if they observe signs of an impaired driver, such as swerving, drifting, or inattentiveness. If encountering a wrong-way driver, officials advise slowing down, moving to the right lane if safe, and calling 911 immediately with a description of the vehicle.
