Utah Highway Patrol has a clear message for Uintah Basin motorists: Texting and driving is a grave concern and one of the greatest dangers we face as motorists. “[Texting and driving] is far more prevalent and equally as dangerous as impaired driving,” shares Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Kellie Oaks, emphasizing that there are fewer drivers with drugs and alcohol on board compared to drivers with hand-held devices within their reach. “At least three recent fatal crashes in the Uintah Basin are suspected of and are being investigated as possible distracted driving deaths,” shares Sgt. Oaks. “There is no text, song, Facebook update, or GPS coordinate worth your child’s life, a fellow human’s life, or your own life.” Utah Highway Patrol encourages everyone to evaluate their driving habits, make appropriate changes, and commit to contributing to safer roads in the Basin. They also encourage the public to report reckless, distracted, and impaired drivers in the ongoing effort to enforce current laws and prevent deaths on Utah highways. Your safety and the safety of your families is the number one priority of the local highway patrol.
