Colorado Launches New DUI Resource Website During Holiday Heat is On Campaign
Denver, CO (December 15, 2011) – With holiday parties in full swing, the state has launched a new tool to help Coloradans make safer choices before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. A new statewide DUI resource website, No DUI Colorado (www.NoDUIColorado.org), was developed by state agencies on the Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD) Committee to help individuals make better decisions regarding impaired driving and substance abuse behaviors.
The website aims to provide a wealth of information and DUI-related resources for at-risk individuals, family members and friends needing support, professionals working in alcohol and drug prevention, and even policymakers who need to get up-to-speed on DUI topics.
“Getting a DUI is a life-changing event. This website will serve as a guide to those who have received a DUI to assist them in navigating the criminal and driver's license process, as well as provide them with resources to help them avoid repeating the same mistake,” said Glenn Davis, PDD Committee member and manager of Impaired Driving Programs at the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Information on the website follows a comprehensive three-step approach to address DUIs by providing resources that can be helpful in preventing a DUI, information on what happens after a DUI arrest, and providing statewide resources that are community specific, as well as assistance in finding national resources.
A total of 98 participating law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Colorado State Patrol, police agencies and sheriff's departments, have arrested 1235 drivers for DUI since the holiday season crackdown began Nov. 22. In addition, preliminary reports show 19 people have been killed in traffic crashes in Colorado so far this holiday season; seven of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes.
“Our goal is to reduce traffic fatalities caused by impaired drivers, and we hope this website will help us achieve that by deterring people from making bad decisions that result in a DUI arrest or worse,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The website provides alternative transportation options, along with a sober party planning guide with tips on how to get home safely after celebrating. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking. You will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Not only will Coloradans find user-friendly information such as navigating the complexities of the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and courts process on the new website, but they can also use an interactive Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) calculator, take surveys, find the latest DUI-related news and see where their neighborhood stacks up with a statewide DUI/DWAI county statistics map. Other useful features include downloadable BAC phone apps, brochures and a step-by-step healthy habits plan to help avoid future alcohol and drug-related impairment problems.
"A typical DUI arrest involves both a criminal charge and a revocation of driving privileges. Few people realize that they can lose their driving privileges regardless of what happens in court,” said Charles (Steve) Hooper, PDD Committee member and Colorado Department of Revenue Operations Director. “This website describes both processes and the severe penalties for impaired driving. A careful look should convince anyone that a DUI is something to avoid."
The PDD Committee was formed as part of the Persistent Drunk Driver Act of 1998. Several state agencies make up the Committee, including the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Judicial Branch, Department of Transportation and the Department of Revenue. The committee is charged with developing and implementing programs to deter persistent drunk and drug-related driving, as well as provide public education. A persistent drunk driver is defined as someone with two or more alcohol or drug related driving violations or someone with a BAC of .17 or higher, even if it’s their first offense.
