DPS Urges the Community to Drive Calm or Face Legal Consequences
WATCH a broadcast of the event from the DPS Facebook page
SALT LAKE CITY – (June 19th, 2024) – Utah is on track to become the first state in the nation to establish an enhanced road rage law, representing a significant stride in addressing the escalating problem of aggressive driving behaviors. Law enforcement officers at the state, county, and city levels have reported an increase in the severity of road rage incidents, prompting this proactive measure to enhance road safety and driver accountability. The Utah State Legislature passed HB 30, “Road Rage Amendments,” during the 2024 session. This effort was led by Utah State House Representative Paul Cutler and Utah State Senator Todd Weiler as the bill sponsors.
The media is invited to interview Colonel Mike Rapich with the Utah Highway Patrol, who will highlight the new law’s implications. He will focus on the legal consequences drivers face if they engage in this dangerous behavior. Senator Todd Weiler will offer insights into the expected benefits of this new legislation in monitoring and addressing road rage. Mr. Peter Psalm will speak about his experience as a family member of a road rage fatal victim.
One of the primary objectives of this legislation was to explicitly define road rage and improve data collection to better address the issue and encourage more composed driver behavior. The second goal was to increase penalties and fines for serious road rage criminal behavior and discourage drivers from engaging in the first place. Lastly, the third main goal was to create an educational campaign to showcase the consequences of road rage. Starting today, Utah will launch a comprehensive educational campaign to inform our community about the changes, effective July 1st. The campaign will include compelling videos emphasizing the serious consequences of road rage. Offenders can expect to pay thousands in criminal penalties, impounded vehicles, suspended driver licenses, and possible felony or aggravated assault charges.
WHEN:
Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at 10:45 AM
WHERE:
Utah State Capitol – South Steps
350 State St
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
WHO:
UHP Colonel Mike Rapich, Department of Public Safety
Todd Weiler, Utah State Senator
Peter Psalm, Family of Road Rage Fatal Victim
Hillary Koellner, Department of Public Safety (Spanish Speaker)
Colonel Rapich shares the potential new consequences for violating the road rage law in this series of videos.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lt. Cameron Roden
DPS/UHP PIO
801.554.5659
[email protected]