Fatal Crashes Mark Memorial Day Weekend

Denver, CO - It’s heating up on Colorado roadways as statewide law enforcement officers are cracking down on drunk drivers during the “100 Days of Heat” DUI crackdown. Over Memorial Day weekend, two people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Colorado, and hundreds of drivers were arrested for DUI despite warnings of strict enforcement. Of the five fatal crashes during the holiday weekend, two were alcohol-related, according to preliminary information from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The “100 Days of Heat” DUI Crackdown kicked off on Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day. The Colorado State Patrol and 80 law enforcement agencies report making 461 DUI arrests between 6 p.m. Friday, May 27 and 3 a.m. Tuesday, May 31. Arrest numbers are down from 2010, when 651 drivers were arrested for impaired driving over the holiday weekend.

“It’s unacceptable to realize that  more than 400 people recently made poor driving choices on Colorado roadways, despite the fact that for many years we’ve given motorists warnings about the dangers of driving drunk or impaired,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Two deaths are too many, too tragic and so very unnecessary. Law enforcement is increasing patrols throughout the summer, and if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested.  We will continue working hard to keep drunk and drugged drivers off Colorado roadways to prevent deaths and injuries.  Always designate a sober driver and always buckle up.”

For more details on DUI arrests by agency or enforcement plans for the “100 Days of Heat,” visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.