DUI checkpoints to protect metro Denver Friday evening
News Release
Denver — Hey Denver, don’t forget, The Heat Is On this weekend. Metro Denver law enforcement agencies are teaming up to proactively remove impaired drivers from the road before they cause a crash. The Metropolitan DUI Task Force (MDTF), led by the Denver Police Department, will set up DUI checkpoints in Arvada, Lakewood and Denver tonight, July 26, from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
“Checkpoints are a useful tool to protect our communities and prevent impaired driving crashes and fatalities. The checkpoints will also remind metro Denver drivers to never drive under the influence,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Keeping impaired drivers off the roads is one of our top priorities.”
During the summer months, the number of fatal impairment-related crashes increases, with July and August historically showing a spike in tragic incidents. So far this year, there have been 104 fatal crashes involving an impaired driver, 39 of which took place in the Denver Metro. CDOT advises the public to keep yourself and other motorists safe this weekend by choosing a sober ride.
“Operating any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a DUI, jail time and criminal fines …or worse, a fatal crash,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Remember: buzzed driving is still drunk driving. Putting yourself and others in danger is never worth the risk.”
The Denver Police Department will also deploy their Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Van at checkpoint operations. The mobile unit, created in partnership with CDOT, uses the latest technology to do breath tests onsite. The BAT Van helps officers quickly process DUI suspects, making it easier to take more impaired drivers off the road.
Although most Coloradans choose to never drink and drive, there have been 3,475 DUI arrests so far during this year’s The Heat Is On enforcement periods, and over 7,100 DUI cases filed.
According to NoDUIColorado.org, a first-time DUI can cost $13,530 or more — not including criminal fines. And offenders spend a minimum of 170 hours dealing with the consequences.
The Colorado Department of Transportation will also support the Colorado State Patrol and other Colorado law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement period starting July 31. Motorists may see saturation patrols and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data.
For local law enforcement agency plans, visit codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.
DUI Checkpoint B-Roll
CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. You can find more about these photos on the CDOT DUI Checkpoint B-Roll Google Drive Folder. Email [email protected] to request access to the Google Drive folder.
Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.
About The Heat Is On
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.
Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.
