As Super Bowl weekend approaches, the Colorado Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement to combat drunk driving, according to an announcement made earlier this week. The initiative, named "The Heat Is On", will begin on February 6 and continue until February 12, seeing increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints aimed at preventing DUI-related incidents on Colorado roads. A subsequent enforcement period will follow for Presidents Week, marking 21 straight days dedicated to this safety effort, according to CDOT.
Last year, a reported one-third of Colorado's traffic fatalities were due to impaired driving, a sobering statistic that has prompted such heightened enforcement measures, as law enforcement officials brace for what could be a time of revelry turning tragic, and although last year's statistics indicated a decline in DUI-related fatalities, the reality is stark, with those kind of figures being far from anything we could deem acceptable. Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, highlighted the importance of planning, stating "don't drop the ball, plan a sober ride before the game starts," emphasizing the dire consequences a DUI can have not just on the weekend, but potentially life-long ramifications for those involved.
The recent "Winter Blitz" DUI enforcement period led to 264 arrests, showcasing the seriousness with which Colorado law enforcement is tackling this issue. During the Super Bowl weekend alone last year, there were 195 reported DUI arrests, and the state saw 15,566 DUI cases filed throughout 2024. With the age group of 25 to 34 accounting for the highest number of DUI arrests, the push for stronger enforcement and education on the implications of impaired driving is clear. NoDUIColorado.org suggests that a first-time DUI offense can cost the individual an average of $13,530 and a minimum of 170 hours dealing with various legal consequences, including increased auto insurance rates and court fees.
As Super Bowl festivities unfold, CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk reminded the public, "There is no excuse to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol," as per CDOT, urging those who will be drinking to find alternative modes of transportation, whether that's a rideshare service, taxi, or public transit. In addition to DUI checkpoints, the Coloradan roads will also be monitored for adherence to the state's new law prohibiting the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, which took effect on January 1, offering a reminder that hands-free accessories are allowed, and drivers should acquaint themselves with their car's Bluetooth system or invest in hands-free solutions to stay compliant and safe.
Furthermore, CDOT is providing new DUI checkpoint footage to the media, hoping to offer a realistic view of the consequences of impaired driving. The footage, available for media use, captures interactions between officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints. As a year-round effort, "The Heat Is On" campaign seeks to mitigate the risks of impaired driving through various enforcement periods that coincide with public holidays and significant events, aiming for a decrease in DUI-related incidents and heightened awareness of this critical issue.
