Police plan DUI sweep for Halloween

Halloween isn't just for kids anymore.

Police say that over the past several years many adults have used the day as an excuse to throw big parties and drink a lot of alcohol.

That's why the Utah Highway Patrol plans a statewide DUI blitz that is to run through Monday night.

"It's one of the heaviest DUI nights of the entire year," said UHP Sgt. Larry Mower.

It's also the time of year when there are more children out at night. To help combat the DUI problem and keep children safe, the Utah Automobile Dealers Association has given the UHP a $5,000 check to help law enforcement pay for the overtime shifts.

The UHP expects troopers across the state to work 50 extra shifts this weekend looking for impaired drivers.

Over the past three years, money donated by auto dealers to law enforcers to combat drunk driving has resulted in 385 extra UHP shifts and 350 DUI arrests, according to the association.

The check was presented at Nibley Park Elementary School, 2785 S. 800 East, with more than a dozen students in Halloween costumes in attendance.

UHP Major Mike Kuehn said even though children should be watching for cars and obeying traffic rules, they're "excited about trick-or-treating and candy. Their minds are on other things."

That's why adults need to take it upon themselves to act responsibly, he said.

Kuehn said during holidays such as New Year's Eve, adults who drink are normally very responsible and use cabs, designated drivers or celebrate at a house where they intend to stay for the evening. For some reason, they don't think they same way on Halloween, he said.

Nibley principal Shauna Olson noted that there had been two incidents of students being hit while walking to school on consecutive days in the Salt Lake Valley under good weather conditions and drivers were not impaired. It could be even worse this weekend and Monday if drivers aren't responsible.

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