Utah Department of Public Safety

Be Saintly – Never Drink and Drive

 

Get a PDF of the news release here

UTAH LAW ENFORCEMENT ENCOURAGES UTAHNS TO “BE SAINTLY” THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Downtown bars, in partnership with local law enforcement and with support from the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, will host “Saints of Sobriety” living statues in an effort to reduce impaired driving and encourage safety on Utah’s roads 

Salt Lake City, UT (March 10, 2016) – Many people like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by raising a pint of their favorite beverage, but some are pressing their luck by getting behind the wheel: Over the last five years there have been 23 alcohol-related crashes on St. Patrick’s Day in Utah. To remind St. Patrick’s Day revelers to never drink and drive, representatives from the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Highway Safety Office and the Utah Highway Patrol will visit Salt Lake-area news outlets to reveal their latest DUI-prevention message that encourages bar and pub patrons to take a cab or ride with a sober lad or lassie. To schedule a station visit, please contact Steve Wright at 801-531-6877.

On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, between 7-10 p.m., law enforcement representatives will be at partnering bars where local actors will be transformed into living statues of the “Saints of Sobriety,” including: St. Haylor of Cab, saint of wise travelers; St. Cristyl O’Clearhead, saint of responsible drinking; and St. Alweis the Appointed, saint of designated drivers. Those who make the pledge to get home safely will receive a coin from law enforcement representatives that, when deposited in the statue’s hat, will activate an interactive performance by the living saint statue. To assist in additional awareness, each bar will also place a stained glass display at their location to communicate the importance of sober driving on Utah’s roads.

“Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive,” stated Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Lawrence Hopper. “If you choose to drink, designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely from the party. If you’re planning on driving, commit to not drinking. The last thing you want is to ride home with a cop.”

In addition to the downtown activities, law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be conducting roving DUI patrols over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. All drivers are encouraged to report suspected drunk driving in an effort to prevent crashes and roadway fatalities.

DUI Enforcement Mobilization is a statewide media and community outreach campaign focused on changing Utah citizens’ perceptions and behaviors of driving under the influence of alcohol. For more information about Utah’s DUI media campaign, visit drivesober.org.

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