Labor Day DUI enforcement begins Aug. 16

(COLORADO) — Ahead of Labor Day, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) will begin its 20-day DUI enforcement period on Friday, Aug. 16.

The Heat is On Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period will take place from Aug. 16 through Wednesday, Sept. 4. During these three weeks, drivers may see sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and additional law enforcement officers on duty looking out for any impaired drivers on the road.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will support State Troopers and 70 local law enforcement agencies during the 20 days. Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that sees a spike in fatal crashes.

Since Memorial Day of this year, there have been nearly 1,400 crashes involving a suspected impaired driver in Colorado. In June and July alone, there were 129 traffic fatalities in Colorado, 44 of which involved a suspected impaired driver.

“Impaired driving-related crashes, injuries and fatalities are entirely preventable. When you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are gambling with other people’s lives,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of CSP. “Your holiday weekend could quickly come to an end with a DUI, jail time or even a fatal crash. Keep your safety and that of others in mind — the only choice is a sober ride.”

Driving while under the influence of any impairing substance is illegal. All Colorado law enforcement agencies can administer alcohol and drug toxicology tests to drivers following a fatal DUI crash.

“Long weekends are never an excuse to drive impaired,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Last year’s Labor Day Crackdown enforcement period concluded with 774 reported DUI arrests. 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.”

The next high visibility enforcement period will begin on Sept. 12 through Oct. 13 for Fall Festivities.

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