A Sandy, Utah car accident sent two people to the hospital on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. According to abc4.com, this Utah auto accident happened near 9150 South Monroe. A woman was driving a white truck and for an undetermined reason, crossed the center line and hit a minivan traveling in the opposite direction.
Drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police are now investigating, and believe alcohol may have been a factor.
Utah Drunk Driving Statistics
An estimated 11,773 people died in alcohol related accidents in 2008. This number represents a 9.8 decline from the year previous. In 2006, 1.46 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This represents an arrest for 1 in every 139 licensed drivers in the United States.
Utah drunk driving arrests have seen a steady increase and Utah legislature looks to pass new regulations for harsher penalties for those caught driving under the influence. Studies have shown that simply taking away a drunk drivers license is not sufficient. Fifty to 75 percent of drunk drivers whose licenses have been suspended continue to drive. Americans show a willingness to support tough penalties for drunk drivers. In a 2008 AAA poll, AAA found that 80% supported requiring drivers who have been convicted of a DUI of DWI to use equipment that tests for alcohol before they are allowed to start their vehicle.