Colorado agencies to crack down during Labor Day DUI enforcement period

DENVER (KDVR) — Law enforcement agencies across Colorado are wrapping up the 100 deadliest days of summer with a 20-day DUI enforcement period starting Friday.

“Don’t miss out on backyard barbecues, time with friends and end-of-summer fun with a DUI — always plan a sober ride home,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said in a press release.

Colorado State Patrol is partnering with 70 local law enforcement agencies for the enforcement period lasting from Aug. 16 to Sept. 4.

During the enforcement period, drivers may notice saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and extra officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers, CDOT said in the release.

There were 774 reported DUI arrests during the Labor Day DUI enforcement period last year, according to CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrel Lingk.

“No one is above the law — the only way to avoid a DUI is by driving sober. It’s that simple. Enjoy the holiday responsibly by leaving the keys at home and planning a sober ride,” Lingk said.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest days of summer due to a spike in deadly crashes

According to CDOT, nearly 1,400 crashes in the state since Memorial Day this year have involved a suspected impaired driver. The department reports that there were 129 traffic deaths across the state in June and July, with 44 involving a suspected impaired driver.

Penalties for first-time DUI offenders vary but could cost someone an average of $13,530 and a minimum of 170 hours of their time, according to CDOT.

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