The Utah Highway Patrol picked up more than twice as many intoxicated drivers Wednesday as 2008 gave way to 2009.
Trooper Cameron Roden said 14 drivers were arrested in Utah and Salt Lake counties.
"Part of that has to do with more officers out on the road this year," Roden said.
The good news?
"We didn't have any major DUI crashes last night or injuries," Roden said.
A year ago, the UHP reported six arrests in the two counties on New Year's Eve and early New Year's Day. Two years ago, there were 10.
The Salt lake County Sheriff's Office had eight extra deputies on the lookout for drunken drivers on New Year's Eve. Deputy Levi Hughes said the county's force made about three dozen traffic stops and four arrests for drunken driving, according to preliminary reports. Another two dozen people were cited or arrested for alcohol-related incidents, such as public intoxication and fights, he said.
The sergeant who oversaw the effort "felt there was a huge decrease in what they normally see," Hughes said. "We're not sure if that was the economy and people staying home.
"Hopefully, people are being more responsible."
Salt Lake City police reported five drunk driving arrests on New Year's Eve and five arrests on New Year's Day.
