The Colorado State Patrol, with funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation, will begin the holiday weekend DUI enforcement period Friday with stepped-up patrols and checkpoints.

Nearly 100 law enforcement agencies across the state are joining The Heat Is On campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of driving drunk or high, and encourage safe rides to or from holiday gatherings and other activities.

So far in 2018, 193 people have died in crashes, with over one-third of those fatalities involving an impaired driver. 

During last year’s Memorial weekend enforcement period, 332 drivers were cited for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 14 specially-designated times of increased focus on impaired driving. A five-week enforcement period earlier in the spring resulted in 1,850 DUI arrests, down from 1,958 during the same period in 2017. 

“Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs significantly impairs a person’s ability to drive,” said Col. Matthew Packard, Chief of the CSP. “Consuming any amount of alcohol or other drugs can cause impairment. If you are ever unsure if you are safe to drive, always opt for a sober ride home — you could save lives.”

The special enforcement period for the current campaign runs through May 29. A seatbelt enforcement campaign is also continuing through June 3.