Stay out of the penalty box - CDOT, MADD, and CSP urge hockey fans to plan ahead, avoid a DUI

Statewide — Ahead of Friday’s Game 5 in the Stanley Cup, CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado are calling on drivers and fans to plan ahead for a safe ride home before the puck drops. Summer DUI enforcement is in effect with agencies planning increased DUI enforcement efforts now through Labor Day.

Longtime MADD Colorado volunteer Craig Mansfield began sharing his story after his son, Senior Airman Kristopher Mansfield, was killed by a drunk driver in September 2004.

“Kris and I were both huge hockey fans, and watching the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2001 was a special memory for us. This time, Kris isn’t here to watch the game because of the selfish choice that someone else made to drive drunk,” said Mansfield. “Let’s all cheer on the Avs and get home safe. Make the right call — if you drink, don’t drive.”

Impaired driving fatalities are already on the rise this year. Preliminary crash data show that suspected impairment fatalities increased 20% from January 1 through April 30 compared to the same time period in 2021.

“Impaired drivers pose an extreme threat on Colorado roads,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “It takes both strict enforcement and public outreach efforts to make our roads safer — but the ultimate decision is in the hands of the motorist to never drive impaired.”

“The good news is that there are so many safe options available,” said Fran Lanzer, MADD Colorado Executive Director. “Whether you’re going to the game or a watch party, you can’t drive drunk if you don’t drive there. Always plan ahead when plans include alcohol, whether it’s a non-drinking friend or family member, rideshare, public transportation or a taxi, to make sure everyone gets home safely.”

The Colorado State Patrol will also have an increased DUI enforcement presence across the state this Friday. CSP is dedicating extra shifts and personnel to detect and enforce Colorado’s DUI laws each night the Colorado Avalanche play.

"Following the last game of the 2001 series when the Avalanche won the Cup, I made a DUI arrest within the hour of following Colorado's victory,” said Col. Packard. “So, this time when the Avs bring the cup home, know that your troopers are absolutely committed to making sure that everyone can celebrate and get home safely. Please do your part and plan ahead for a safe ride home.”

CDOT has completed two out of six enforcement periods planned for this summer, with the Fourth of July Weekend high-visibility enforcement starting July 1. The previous two enforcement periods, Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Blitz, have resulted in a combined 247 reported DUI arrests.

About the Heat is On

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 16 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. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

About MADD

Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50% and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD.