As the sun lingers longer each evening and Colorado’s social calendar starts to bloom, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is issuing a stark reminder to its motorists: Don't drive under the influence. CDOT, together with the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 74 local law enforcement agencies, launches the largest DUI enforcement operation of the year, The Heat Is On Spring Events, from April 3 to 23. This 21-day initiative, according to CDOT, will deploy additional patrols, checkpoints, and saturation efforts dedicated to nabbing impaired drivers off the streets.
Bearing witness to the link between spring festivities and a surge in impaired driving incidents, authorities are on high alert. That's how, from March through May of the previous year, 50 traffic fatalities in Colorado were chalked up to impaired driving, as noted by CDOT. "Expect to see more law enforcement out patrolling for DUIs as the weather warms and Coloradans are tempted to party and drive," Chief of Colorado State Patrol Col. Matthew C. Packard said, as obtained by CDOT.
The alcohol-induced blurring of lines between a joyous night out and a tragic spiral of consequences is driving CDOT's safety campaign. "A DUI can derail your life for years — or worse, end someone else’s," CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk warned, as reported by CDOT. While the previous Spring Events DUI enforcement period netted 771 impaired-driving arrests, CDOT continues its push with a grave reminder to plan a sober ride before partaking in any revelry.
In sobering juxtaposition to springtime revelries, CDOT also shines a light on the dangers of distracted driving. A new state law, effective Jan. 1, slaps harsh penalties on those tempted by their mobile electronic devices while driving. "Using a mobile electronic device while driving," CDOT urges in a campaign highlighted by CDOT. Motorists are encouraged to learn hands-free methods and mount those cellphones to the dashboard, keeping attention on the road where it belongs.
