SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- The Salt Lake City Police Department emphasized the importance of driving sober after arresting eight people over the weekend before Christmas for driving while under the influence.

The Salt Lake City Police Department said of the eight people arrested, seven were allegedly driving while impaired by alcohol and one was determined to be under the influence of methamphetamine.

One driver arrested reportedly caused a crash that damaged two other cars. Another driver nearly crashed into an SLCPD patrol car while driving on the wrong side of State Street near Kensington Avenue.

"Historically, DUI cases increase during the holiday season," SLCPD said in a statement. "To combat this trend, the SLCPD's Motor Squad will increase their efforts for the remainder of the holiday season, actively looking for impaired drivers to help ensure road safety."

As Salt Lake Police said the easiest way to stay safe is to avoid driving after consuming any amount of alcohol.

SLCPD urged community members to arrange for a ride from a sober designated driver or use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft.

"[Rideshare] is often relatively inexpensive and significantly cheaper than the financial and legal consequences of a DUI arrest," SLCPD said.