This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The Utah Highway Patrol has a simple choice for inebriated New Year's revelers to make when it's time to leave the party: Designated driver, or jail.
Or you could take a cab, bus, train or call for a tow to avoid getting behind the wheel. Just don't drive after toasting the arrival of 2017, because troopers and law enforcement colleagues statewide will be watching for you.
UHP Col. Michael Rapich says troopers will launch their annual "DUI Blitz" at 9 p.m. Saturday, and will be out in force — including many troopers on overtime — in search of intoxicated drivers through early New Year's Day.
"Impaired driving is 100 percent preventable. There is never a reason to drive under the influence. Never," Rapich stated Friday. "It is our goal to have zero fatalities this New Year's weekend."
Police and sheriffs' deputies statewide also will be on patrol, watchful for impaired drivers.
"The strong message is that if you plan to drink, plan to have a ride home. If you plan to drink and drive, plan on being arrested," Rapich warned.
Find yourself a bit looped and with no safe way home? AAA is reprising its holiday "Tipsy Tow" service — a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home up to 10 miles away.
AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough said the free service is available to everyone, not just AAA members, and will be offered from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year's Day. Just call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP).
Also, Utah Transit Authority is offering extended and late bus and train schedules on New Year's Eve and about an hour after 2017's arrival. For specifics visit the UTA website at http://rideuta.com/news/2016/12/Dec-31-to-Jan-2-Service-Schedule/.
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