The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has teamed up with the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and a broad network of local law enforcement to ramp up DUI enforcement efforts, beginning today and extending through Presidents Week. As festivities commence, officials urge Coloradans to not just prolong the longevity of their weekend but to safeguard lives by steering clear of driving under the influence. The enforcement period, which runs from Feb. 13 to 26, is a segment of a larger 21-day initiative that kicked off alongside the Super Bowl weekend, according to CDOT.
Citizens across the state can now expect increased police presence on the roads, including sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols designed for the swift removal of impaired drivers. Last year's efforts resulted in 473 DUI arrests during the same period, a stark reminder that every 33 minutes a driver is handcuffed for DUI in Colorado. Echoing these concerns, Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of Colorado State Patrol, emphasized in a statement, "Protect yourself and others by always planning for a sober ride," as obtained by CDOT.
This proactive push by law enforcement comes after data showing a decrease in fatalities involving impaired drivers, with 210 people losing their lives in such crashes on Colorado roads in 2024, down 8% from the previous year. However, authorities insist there's still much work to be done. CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk underscored in a statement that sober driving not only prevents fatalities but also protects the community from untold grief and damage.
With the ski and snowboard season in full swing, CDOT is pushing for public awareness, particularly among those heading to mountainside festivities. A variety of alternatives are available for those partaking in alcohol or cannabis during their holiday excursions, including services like Breckenridge Free Ride and Summit Stage. In an ongoing quest to curb impaired driving, Lingk advised, "Stay alert and drive sober this weekend and always to help keep Colorado's roads safe," as per CDOT.
Further emphasizing the seriousness of DUI, new Colorado laws that took effect on Jan. 1 prohibit the use of any mobile electronic devices while driving, except hands-free accessories. CDOT is advocating for drivers to adopt safer practices and ensure compliance with these stringent rules. For those curious about the inner workings of DUI checkpoints, CDOT also provides new checkpoint B-roll footage accessible to media, capturing the real-life consequences faced by those caught driving impaired.
