Memorial Day DUI Enforcement and Checkpoint Colorado Begin Tomorrow

STATEWIDE — For many, Memorial Day weekend means time-off from work and celebrating the unofficial start of summer. For the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and law enforcement agencies across the state, Memorial Day marks a rise in impaired driving and a need for increased DUI enforcement. With this in mind, law enforcement will saturate Colorado’s roadways from Friday, May 22, through Tuesday, May 26, citing and arresting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“As Coloradans celebrate the holiday, they may head to concerts, BBQs or other events where alcohol or marijuana may be consumed,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “CDOT urges everyone across the state to plan ahead and have a safe way home. That cab ride home will be cheaper than a $10,000 DUI. It’s simple —if you drink or consume marijuana, don’t drive.”

The launch of the Memorial Day enforcement coincides with the start of Checkpoint Colorado, a 100-plus day summer enforcement period. Checkpoint Colorado runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with participating law enforcement agencies conducting three DUI checkpoints during the period.

Earlier in May, CDOT and law enforcement ended their six-week long Spring Events DUI enforcement period that ran from April 4 through May 17. During this period, 55 agencies reported 1421 arrests for DUI, compared to the 2014 enforcement period in which 73 agencies reported 1,804 arrests for DUI.

“During the spring and summer we will continue to focus our enforcement efforts on the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers as well as distracted drivers.” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Both are consistently the top causal factors for most crashes in Colorado, and drivers should expect zero tolerance for these types of violations.  We are serious about reducing the number of injury and fatal crashes in Colorado, and ensuring our residents and visitors arrive safely at their destinations.”

The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year with 12 specific high visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. More details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips can be found at HeatIsOnColorado.com.