CDOT's "The Heat Is On" Halloween DUI Enforcement Begins Oct. 26

STATEWIDE—From Friday, Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and law enforcement throughout the state will increase DUI enforcement, arresting drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs as part of CDOT's The Heat Is On campaign. The enforcement aims to eliminate drunken driving-related injuries and fatalities over Halloween weekend.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night between 2012 and 2016 involved a drunken driving-related crash, while 14 percent of all pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involved a drunken driver. In 2016, 21 to 34 year olds accounted for the most fatalities (46 percent) in drunken-driving crashes on Halloween night.

"We have zero tolerance for those who choose to drive impaired, and we are committed to keeping all Coloradans safe," said Darrell Lingk, CDOT's director of the Office of Transportation Safety. "Thousands of children and families will be out and about trick-or-treating and enjoying other festivities this Halloween. Drunk drivers selfishly put themselves and others at risk."

Last year's Halloween DUI enforcement resulted in 375 DUI arrests, with the CSP (68), Colorado Springs Police Department (29) and Denver Police Department (28) citing the most arrests.

"There will be more pedestrians out on Halloween evening, so we're asking motorists to drive alert and without distractions. If you do plan to drive, do so sober," said CSP Chief Col. Matthew Packard. "It's a matter of personal accountability. There are many alternative options to driving under the influence, including public transportation and ride-hailing services. Remember: If you feel different, you drive different."

The public can access CDOT's The Heat Is On arrest database for all enforcement periods. Arrest data can be sorted by law enforcement agency, county and enforcement period.

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired-driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year with 14 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.

Learn more about the campaign, including impaired-driving-enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips.