Utah Sending a Warning to Uninsured Motorists

Utahns are doing a good job keeping their vehicles insured, Public Safety officials say.

But, if you don't have insurance, the letter is in the mail.

From July to December of 1995, the number of those not abiding by the state insurance laws fell from 23 percent to 17 percent. By the end of 1996, that number had fallen to a low 12 percent, said Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Verdi White II.

"What is impressive and says a great deal about Utah is the uninsured rate has not gone back up. This was done without invasive enforcement actions," White said. "Utahns are to be congratulated."

Still, law enforcement officials say even a rate of 12 percent uninsured motorists - which is 170,000 drivers - is too high. This week, letters were to be sent to the state's uninsured motorists, White said.

1997