Fox 13 news reported:
Early Sunday morning, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, an officer responded to police sirens. What he found was a drunken civilian, whose vehicle was outfitted with lights and sirens.
Cottonwood Heights Police Sgt. Gary Young said that the officer came across the car around 5:00 am, near 2200 E and 6700 S. The SUV had a siren as well as blue and red lights–the man incriminated himself, when his passenger sounded the siren and turned on the lights.
The man behind the wheel was drunk, and was cited with a DUI. Investigations are still pending into his claim that he had permission for the lights and sirens “from an agency dealing with search and rescue.” Young predicts that the drunken man did not have official authorization for the lights and sirens.
Drunk driving is a serious problem. According to the New York State Police, drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 deaths annually. This equates to one alcohol related driving death every 30 minutes. Different states have different punishments for driving under the influence, but no state is tolerant.
In Utah, a first drunk driving conviction will get you a minimum of 48 hours in jail, and a fine of $700 minimum, as well as a license suspension for 120 days. A second offense will get you at least 240 minimum in jail, $800 minimum fine, and a 2-year license suspension. The consequences become more serious with more offenses, or higher BAC (blood alcohol level), or any refusal to take a chemical test.
Lucky for this man, he didn’t hurt any one in his negligence of driving while drunk. Many people are not that lucky. If you or a loved one has been in an accident due to someone else driving under the influence of alcohol, call Christensen & Hymas for a free consultation to help protect your case: 801-506-0800
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