As winter sports enthusiasts make their way to the slopes this season, Colorado's Department of Transportation (CDOT) has teamed up with the Colorado State Patrol and 71 local law enforcement agencies to enforce sober driving. Dubbed "The Heat Is On Winter Blitz DUI enforcement," the period extends from Jan. 9 to 22. Drivers can anticipate seeing sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and an increased police presence aimed at deterring impaired driving.
"Despite so many sober alternatives, there were more than 14,000 DUI arrests in our state last year," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, as per CDOT. The enforcement is a response to the 203 fatalities on Colorado roads in 2024 involving an impaired driver. Though representing a decrease from the previous year, the loss of life is a somber reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
Data from the Colorado Traffic Fatalities Dashboard, as reported by CDOT, shows a continual struggle with impaired driving-related fatalities over the past years. Specific counties, including El Paso, Adams, Weld, and Denver, were highlighted for their high number of fatalities in 2024. State troopers and officers trained in ARIDE and DRE programs are a part of the efforts to identify and arrest impaired drivers, in a bid to curb these tragedies.
"Don’t risk a DUI arrest or crash — choose a sober ride," stated Darrell Lingk, CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director. With new laws in effect since Jan. 1 prohibiting the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, the focus on road safety has never been more acute. Drivers are urged to use hands-free accessories and be cognizant of the penalties associated with these violations.
The recent New Year's Eve Weekend DUI enforcement reported 164 arrests, signaling a continued commitment to road safety by law enforcement agencies. Looking ahead, CDOT has announced the next DUI enforcement period will take place during Super Bowl Weekend. Detailed insights into the impact of these initiatives can be found on CDOT's official website, where they offer resources related to impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest data, and safety guidelines.
For a glimpse into the realities of DUI checkpoints, CDOT is also providing new checkpoint footage to media outlets, showcasing the consequences of impaired driving. This footage, featuring real interactions and subjects who have consented to be filmed, can be accessed by contacting CDOT directly through the provided email.
The "Heat is On" campaign is a continuous effort by CDOT to promote safer driving habits. Ongoing enforcement periods throughout the year are strategically placed around holidays and major public events to maximize awareness and prevention of drunk driving. More information about the initiative, including ways to stay informed and involved in promoting sober driving, is available on the HeatIsOnColorado.com website.
