Summer's "100 Days of Heat" Ends, Fall DUI Crackdown Begins
Denver – The summer DUI crackdown known as “100 Days of Heat” has ended, but a new one has replaced it aimed at those who drink and drive after fall festivals and celebrations. The Fall DUI Crackdown started Friday, Sept. 9th and will continue through Monday, Oct. 24th.
“Even though it’s not yet officially fall, the signs of the season have already started, including football tailgating parties, homecoming events and Oktoberfest celebrations. We want people to have fun at these traditional fall events, but if you plan on drinking alcohol, please designate a sober driver or face the consequences of a DUI arrest,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
In an effort to reduce the number of DUI arrests and fatalities this fall, troopers from the Colorado State Patrol, and volunteers from the Colorado Department of Transportation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado will be outside Sports Authority Field at Mile High to sign up designated drivers at tonight’s Denver Broncos game and at other homes games this season.
Broncos fans can sign up tonight at the “Heat Is On” tent outside Gate 10 or at any guest services location inside Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Fans who pledge to be designated drivers receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and a chance to be selected as the “Designated Driver of the Game.” Designated Drivers of the Game are recognized during the game and will receive a $100 gift card to the team store. At the end of the regular season, one winner - the Designated Driver of the Season - will be selected and receive a $1,000 gift card to the team store.
“The CSP is energized by the addition of having MADD Colorado’s volunteers at the Broncos home games and the continued support of CDOT in the efforts to educate fans on making smart driving choices and signing up designated drivers,” said Colonel Wolfinbarger.
“MADD Colorado appreciates the support of CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and the Denver Broncos as we partner with them to spread the word about the importance of having sober designated drivers in an effort to end drunk driving,” said Emily Tompkins, state executive director of MADD Colorado. “We want to encourage fans to have a game plan before tailgating begins to get home safely or to volunteer to be a designated driver for their friends and family.”
The Denver Broncos are also in a challenge to beat other AFC West teams to sign up the most designated drivers. Fans not attending the game at the stadium can help the team earn points by “Liking” the Broncos Designated Driver Challenge Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Broncos-Designated-Driver-Challenge/181180378561052
The Fall DUI enforcement period comes on the heels of summer-long “100 Days of Heat” campaign, which resulted in 2,587 DUI arrests during enforcement periods, including 454 arrests that occurred over Labor Day Weekend.
More details about the DUI enforcement plans and arrest results can be found at www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.
