State's police are out to catch DUI drivers

Police are out this Labor Day weekend looking for those who are driving impaired by alcohol or drugs.

As part of a new national crackdown dubbed "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest," police agencies have run a series of DUI blitzes over the past two weeks.

The Centerville Police Department set up a road block on Wednesday that netted a significant number of drivers suspected of DUI. Lt. Paul Child said 13 investigations into possible DUI cases were performed by officers. Five drivers were arrested on suspicion of DUI. Other arrests were made in connection with illegal consumption, possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, and open containers.

"We felt that it was successful in a sense that it removed people who were under the influence off the road," Child said. "It was surprising that there were that many people drinking and driving on a Wednesday night."

The average time a motorist spent at the checkpoint was about 30 seconds.

Centerville will not have another road block, but the department does plan to have extra officers out this weekend to watch for impaired drivers.

Federal and state funds have been earmarked for extra patrol shifts and overtime shifts so agencies can have more officers on the road. A portion of DUI impound fees helps pay for the shifts, said Art Brown, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

On Friday, the Layton police, Park City police, Summit County sheriff's and Wasatch County sheriff's departments also had DUI checkpoints.

"(Friday) is a good night" for DUI checkpoints, said Layton Police Sgt. James Petre.

Layton had the Utah Highway Patrol Blood Alcohol Testing unit at its checkpoint from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at 500 North and Main Street. The night, however, was not very fruitful.

Of the 218 cars stopped, the only arrest made was for an outstanding warrant and possession of marijuana.

"Maybe the word has gotten out and people are a lot smarter now," said Layton Police Sgt. Jason Hinojosa. "We're looking at that as a positive."

Park City also ran a joint effort with the Utah Highway Patrol and Summit County Sheriff's Office. They ran a blitz throughout the area from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Mothers Against Drunk Driving also was on scene.

"Our measure of success is fewer people drinking and driving," said Park City Lt. Police Phil Kirk. "The last few times we have done this, we have found fewer people driving impaired."