As Utah ushers in the New Year, officials have reported a troubling surge in DUI arrests over the recent holiday. According to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), DUI arrests on New Year’s Eve increased by a staggering 50% compared to the previous year, a statistic that has raised alarm among law enforcement and community safety advocates alike. In 2025, UHP troopers made 40 DUI arrests, but that number jumped to 60 this year, highlighting a concerning trend in impaired driving during one of the busiest celebration nights of the year. Sgt. Mike Alexander of the UHP expressed both pride and disappointment in the agency's findings. He noted that while the increase in arrests reflects enhanced enforcement efforts, it also points to a persistent issue of individuals choosing to drive while impaired. "We have made significant strides in our enforcement strategies, but it is disheartening to see so many people still making the dangerous choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol," said Sgt. Alexander. Fortunately, despite the increase in arrests, there were no reported DUI-related crashes during this year’s New Year celebrations, a goal that the UHP strategically focused on through heightened saturation enforcement. The absence of serious incidents speaks to the effectiveness of their efforts, yet it underscores the ongoing need for public awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving. One voice advocating for this awareness is Jessica Wilhite, a survivor of a tragic DUI-related accident. Just months ago, Wilhite and her sister Sabrina were severely injured when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in Northern Arizona. The incident left Sabrina with devastating injuries, including the loss of part of her left arm. "Just one small decision, one bad call can ruin your life and can ruin someone else's life. It's sad, but it's also so preventable. Everything that happened to us was preventable," Jessica articulated, reflecting on the impact of that fateful night. The Wilhite family has since dedicated their time to educating others about the grave consequences of driving under the influence. Their father, Brent Wilhite, previously served with the Utah Department of Public Safety and was involved with the Zero Fatalities initiative, which aims to reduce accidents and fatalities on Utah roads. "Our lives have been forever affected by this, because of one person's decision to drink and get behind the wheel. It didn't have to happen," Brent lamented, emphasizing the importance of public safety and responsible decision-making during celebratory times. Sgt. Alexander highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. Although proud of the increased number of arrests as a clear indication of proactive policing, he recognizes that the root problem remains: too many individuals are still willing to take the risk of driving while intoxicated. "If we arrested 60 drivers in the last 30 hours, then we obviously have too many people still choosing to make the personal choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol," he stated. As the New Year holiday weekend continues, many people have extended their celebrations into additional days, particularly with Friday off for many employees. This creates an environment where the potential for impaired driving remains high. Sgt. Alexander urges the community to celebrate responsibly, reminding them of the critical importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home. He encourages revelers to utilize designated drivers, public transportation, or rideshare services to ensure everyone's safety. The increase in DUI arrests serves as a stark reminder that while celebrations are a part of life, the choices made during these times can have lasting impacts. The Utah Highway Patrol continues to commit to educating the public, increasing enforcement, and ultimately aiming for a safer community. As the community reflects on the statistics from this New Year’s Eve, the hope is that awareness and accountability will lead to a decline in impaired driving incidents in the future, making Utah roads safer for all. In conclusion, while the uptick in DUI arrests on New Year's Eve is alarming, it also serves as a catalyst for conversations about responsible drinking and driving. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement and advocacy groups like the Wilhite family highlight the critical need for ongoing dialogue and education to prevent further tragedies on the road. As we move forward into 2026, the collective goal remains clear: to reduce the number of impaired drivers and foster a culture of safety and responsibility on our highways.