CDOT and BACtrack Announce Partnership to Reduce Impaired Driving

STATEWIDE—Preceding Colorado's largest DUI enforcement period leading up to Labor Day weekend, CDOT is launching a first-of-its-kind statewide campaign to help Coloradans know their limits when it comes to drinking and driving. The campaign, Before You Go, Know, urges Coloradans to check their blood alcohol content (BAC) to confirm they are sober before they get behind the wheel. CDOT is partnering with BACtrack, a leading personal breathalyzer company, to launch the campaign statewide.

As part of this campaign, BACtrack is offering 20 percent off on breathalyzer products to Colorado residents through the end of September. Visit HeatIsOnColorado.com or BACtrack.com, and use the code "CDOT" for 20 percent off and free shipping.

"We have a responsibility to raise awareness as to the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, and to provide resources to Coloradans and help them make informed decisions to avoid driving impaired," said Sam Cole, CDOT communications mManager. "Traditionally, August and September are two of the most dangerous months on Colorado roads. We are excited to join BACtrack for a first-of-its-kind partnership between a state department of transportation and a breathalyzer company to offer discounts on personal breathalyzers, especially as we head toward Labor Day weekend."

Beginning this week, CDOT is bringing the Before You Go, Know message statewide with an advertising campaign consisting of radio ads, posters, bus ads, liquor store placements, social media outreach and outreach to social media influencers. This is the first high-visibility campaign by a state using breathalyzers as a tool to prevent drunk driving.

The goal is to raise awareness of personal breathalyzers—a resource many drinkers may not know exists—directly where they may be buying or consuming alcohol. View the campaign's creative elements.

The media campaign coincides with upcoming Labor Day DUI enforcement, reminding Coloradans, "DUI Enforcement is On." To date, 114 law enforcement agencies will participate in the crackdown, which begins Friday.

"CDOT continues to use innovative methods to create awareness and offer solutions to reduce the occurrence of impaired driving," said Keith Nothacker, founder and CEO of BACtrack. "BACtrack was founded to provide people knowledge and ultimately make them safer. Along with CDOT, we want to support Coloradans and help them make smart decisions when drinking."

CDOT is also working with BACtrack this summer to determine if smartphone breathalyzers help those with a previous DUI conviction avoid a second offense. Through the partnership, CDOT has provided smartphone breathalyzers to 475 first-time DUI offenders to use during the summer. Participants will complete surveys about drinking habits, driving and breathalyzer usage. In September, CDOT will compile information gathered from participants, and share results and analysis with the public.

The partnership with BACtrack and breathalyzer outreach is part of CDOT's The Heat Is On campaign, which aims to raise awareness to the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Each year, more than 26,000 people are arrested for DUI in Colorado, and more than one-third of all Colorado traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. To learn more about the campaign, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com.