100 Days of Heat Culminates with Labor Day Weekend Crackdown
The latest effort to limit DUI-related fatalities and crashes includes a focus on drug-impaired driving, part of a statewide campaign CDOT and law enforcement agencies kicked off in August, under the theme of “Drugged Driving is Impaired Driving.” Billboards and bus signs carry the message along the Front Range, with specially trained Drug Recognition Expert officers ready to conduct evaluations for drug impairment.
The Labor Day crackdown will conclude Colorado’s “100 Days of Heat” summer DUI campaign with sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and increased DUI enforcement across the state. The statewide enforcement coincides with the 18-day national enforcement campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Preliminary reports show that since the start of the crackdown on Aug. 19th, 13 traffic fatalities have occurred in Colorado, six of which were alcohol related; one was drug related.
“It is unacceptable that half of the fatalities that have occurred in the past two weeks were due to impaired drivers or motorcycle operators,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “These were lives lost due to a senseless disregard for human life and bad choices. Law enforcement officers from around the state will be on heightened alert this holiday weekend to encourage drivers to make smart choices and plan ahead for a sober ride. And don’t forget to wear your seat belt -- It’s the best defense you have against an impaired driver.”
Since the “100 Days of Heat” campaign kicked off Memorial Day weekend, statewide law enforcement agencies have made 1,796 DUI arrests during enforcement periods alone.
The Colorado State Patrol and 106 law enforcement agencies have filed plans for increased patrols, saturation patrols and checkpoints through 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6. For a full list of participating agencies, current enforcement plans and detailed information about arrest results by agency, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.
