TOOELE, Utah (ABC 4 News) -- if you're traveling in Tooele County this holiday season expect to see more lights, patrol car lights, that is.
Fatal accidents are down statewide but they've actually gone up in Tooele County. Because of that, troopers are beefing up efforts towards the end of the year.
instead of working a skelton crew, letting more troopers off to be with their families for the holidays, the U.H.P is stepping up patrols, concentrating on Tooele County.
“We will be adjusting our schedules. We will be having additional shifts. Expect to see more troopers,” says Lt. Corey Nye, Section 8 commander.
It's not that their bosses are grinches, they're just appalled with the number of fatal accidents because people are drinking, not wearing seat belts, and speeding.
“And that's what contributing to the accidents out in Tooele County,” he says.
The number of speeding tickets is up, way up. not just talking 10-15 miles over the limit. Troopers are collecting a stack of tickets for speeds over 100 miles an hour.
“All the individuals who have been cited for traveling over 100 miles an hour,” he says. “The most typical response is they weren't paying attention to their speed.”
All in Tooele County, a lot of the citations issued on I-80 but not all.
“The roads are flat, and there are long, straight stretches, and people just don't pay attention to their speed,” says Nye.
No one wants to work extra hours during the holidays but troopers see their sacrifice as a matter of life and death.
Troopers are asking everyone to slow down and have a safe holiday.
