This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah Highway Patrol will partner with Uber over Labor Day weekend to discourage people from drinking and driving.
The popular ride-hailing company will offer a free first ride for distances that would typically cost up to $15 — discount code ZEROUTAH — as UHP aims for a zero-fatality holiday.
"Many people will be enjoying the last weekend of summer and the start of college football season," a new release states, "and when it's time to head home, they'll be faced with a choice: whether to use a safe transportation option or get behind the wheel after they've been drinking."
Labor Day, one of the worst holiday weekends for traffic accidents in the state, wraps up the "100 deadliest days of summer" for Utah drivers.
UHP believes the partnership with Uber will help people "choose a safe and sober ride home." Additionally, for every new user, Uber will donate $5 to Utah DUI enforcement.
Driving under the influence is a "frequently committed crime" in Utah, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. In 2015, more than 10,400 drivers were arrested in the state for DUI and 37 people died in crashes caused by impaired driving.
To reduce DUI accidents, UHP officers will work more than 250 overtime shifts over Labor Day weekend.
Twitter: @CourtneyLTanner