New Utah laws that went into effect in July will help the highway patrol reduce the number of fatal accidents and keep repeat DUI offenders off the road, Duncan said.

Under the new statutes, anyone who refuses to submit to a sobriety test can be given a conditional or "restricted" license, which essentially amounts to a "not a drop" license. If a driver with a restricted license is caught with any amount of alcohol in his or her system, no matter how small, he or she can be cited for DUI. A driver convicted of DUI can be issued a restricted license for two years to life under a new law.

The new laws will likely play a role in a couple of arrests over the weekend.

On Sunday Utah Highway Patrol trooper Ray Thomson arrested two drivers in separate incidents for investigation of driving under the influence. What was unique about these cases was that each driver had at least four prior DUI convictions in the past 10 years.

One man, who pleaded guilty less than three months ago to an amended misdemeanor charge of DUI and for giving false information to police, was supposed to have a DUI ignition lock on his steering wheel but did not. He refused to submit to field sobriety tests. Sunday was his fifth arrest for investigation of DUI in the past decade, according to jail records.

After the man's most recent conviction in June he was sentenced to 63 days in jail plus given credit for time already served, 18 months probation and the judge ordered the interlock device put on his car.

A second man arrested was "substantially over the legal limit," according to Department of Public Safety spokesman Jeff Nigbur. It was the fourth time since 2001 the man was arrested for investigation of DUI, according to Salt Lake County Jail records.

A person like the one arrested over the weekend with multiple arrests and a felony DUI conviction could be given a lifetime conditional-use license under the new law. Those convicted of driving drunk on a restricted license could have their license revoked.

"It's frustrating to see drivers like that back on the road. I know some troopers who have arrested the same person two or three times themselves," Nigbur said.

Duncan, however, is concerned next year's statistics might reflect the department's current trooper shortage. Currently, the Utah Highway Patrol is down 40 troopers.

Forty troopers are going through the POST academy and will be finished by the beginning of 2006. Until then, "We're doing the best we can. We're basically 40 people short. By January we'll be back up," he said.

The UHP's DUI squad is always filled to capacity, Duncan said.

"The field troopers is where we're hurting," he said.

Until then, Duncan said his troopers will continue to do their best to "stop the bleeding" and patrol the freeways looking for drivers like the two men arrested over the weekend before they cause a fatal accident.

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E-mail: preavy@desnews.com