Don’t be a Turkey; Drink and Don’t Drive This Thanksgiving
STATEWIDE — Later this week Coloradans will be giving thanks while enjoying the company of friends and family over a home-cooked meal –- often accompanied by beer, wine or cocktails. While many are enjoying their meals, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state will be working hard to heighten DUI enforcement as part of their continued efforts to protect users of Colorado roadways from dangerous impaired drivers. Increased enforcement begins today and continue through Monday, Dec. 1 as part of CDOT’s ongoing The Heat Is On campaign.
“CDOT, CSP and local law enforcement agencies have the ultimate goal of zero impaired driving fatalities. With every enforcement period, we hope to become closer and closer to that goal,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “As we move into our final three DUI enforcement periods of the year, we encourage drivers to plan ahead before heading out to Thanksgiving get-togethers, holiday parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
In 2013, 411 arrests were made and four alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the Thanksgiving enforcement period. The highest arrests were made by Denver Police Department (50), Aurora Police Department (30) and Colorado Springs Police Department (26). CSP made 67 DUI arrests statewide during the 2013 Thanksgiving weekend.
“The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s our most important job, along with other law enforcement agencies, to make sure that people get to where they need to be safely for Thanksgiving by getting impaired drivers off of the roads.”
The Heat Is On runs the entire year with 12 specific DUI enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large, public events. More details about the DUI enforcement plans and arrest results can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.
