True leaders drive sober: Presidents Day DUI enforcement

As Coloradans geared up for a long weekend to celebrate Presidents Day, Colorado law enforcement was on high alert for impaired drivers out on the roads. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and other local participating law agencies worked overtime for the Presidents Day DUI enforcement, from Feb. 14–24. The Presidents Day enforcement period, a new The Heat Is On campaign enforcement period, is another opportunity to keep motorists safe on Colorado roads.

“CDOT wants Coloradans to enjoy Presidents Day, but do so safely. Whether you’re traveling for a long holiday weekend or celebrating close to home, plan to have a sober driver if you will consume alcohol,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director at CDOT. “Ride-hailing services, taxis or public transit are available statewide and are all safer, less expensive options for getting home compared to a DUI.”

In addition to planning a sober ride, mobile breathalyzers can be used as a tool to help drinkers make better decisions and ensure their blood-alcohol content is zero before getting behind the wheel. To purchase a personal breathalyzer, visit codot.bactrack.com.

Consequences for a DUI can include up to one year in jail, license suspension, and more than $13,500 after considering fines, legal fees and increased insurance costs.

“With more cars on the road during holiday weekends, the likelihood of impaired drivers increases,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. “If you’ve consumed any amount of alcohol or marijuana, make sure you have a sober ride. We want everyone to reach their destinations and come back home safely this weekend.” 

CDOT and 93 law enforcement agencies across the state recently completed the four-day Super Bowl Weekend DUI enforcement period, arresting 227 impaired drivers. That arrest total was a decrease from the 315 arrests during the same enforcement last year. The Colorado Springs Police Department (26 arrests), Denver Police Department (26 arrests), and Aurora Police Department (12 arrests) recorded the most arrests. CSP made 37 arrests. A complete list of arrests can be found at codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.

CDOT’s The Heat Is On DUI-prevention campaign and Presidents Day and Super Bowl enforcement periods support CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.