The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and statewide law enforcement agencies are teaming up for heightened DUI enforcement this holiday season beginning the evening of December 7 and continuing through December 17. 

The enforcement effort is part of CDOT’s ongoing The Heat Is On campaign to enforce Colorado DUI and DWAI laws to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by impaired drivers in Colorado. During last year’s 10-day holiday enforcement period, 114 law enforcement agencies arrested 656 impaired drivers.  This year 106 law enforcement agencies and CSP troops will be participating in the crackdown. 

In December 2017, there were 50 fatalities on Colorado roads and 10 of those fatalities (20 percent) involved impaired drivers.

“The holidays can be a dangerous time to be on the roads,” said Darrell Lingk, CDOT Director of the Office of Transportation Safety. “Looking forward to the rest of 2018, we want everyone to think twice – and choose wisely - before getting behind the wheel while impaired.”

Throughout the state, 112 agencies participated in the Thanksgiving Weekend enforcement period, with Denver Police Department (53), the Colorado Springs Police Department (38) and Thornton Police Department (22) recording the highest arrest totals.

“The holidays are meant to be a special time with family and friends, and driving impaired puts that all in jeopardy,” said Col. Matthew Packard, CSP Chief. “We urge people to wear seat belts, travel safely and consume responsibly. Losing someone during the holidays is particularly tough since your family will never be able to truly celebrate the holiday again.”