Memorial Day Weekend DUI Enforcement Cites 298 Drivers
STATEWIDE — While many Coloradans enjoyed some time with friends and family over Memorial Day weekend, 298 irresponsible drivers were arrested for driving impaired. Part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) The Heat Is On campaign, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies increased DUI checkpoints and patrols throughout the state from Friday, May 22, through Tuesday, May 26. Last year, the Memorial Day enforcement resulted in 408 DUI arrests. Over 80 law enforcement agencies participated in the statewide campaign each year.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and also the return of many alcohol-related summer events,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Remember to always designate a driver or make arrangements for a safe ride home. A DUI will cost you in excess of $10,000, but that’s nothing compared to the cost of life lost in a fatal crash.”
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.
“As Memorial Day enforcement wraps up, some Coloradans may expect to see fewer DUI patrols until the next major holiday, but that’s simply not the case,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “With the launch of Checkpoint Colorado, troopers will continue to be out in high numbers, working to stop impaired drivers before their poor decisions cause injury and fatal crashes.”
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.
