CDOT prepares for 100 deadliest days of summer

(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to travel safely this summer as warm weather and summer festivities have begun.

Memorial Day marks the start of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer–the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day historically sees a spike in fatal crashes . Between 2019 and 2023, there were 54 impaired driving-related fatalities during the 100 days. In 2023, there were 2,295 DUI arrests made during the summer season.

Starting Thursday, May 16, Memorial Day Weekend DUI enforcement will begin. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 72 local law enforcement agencies will participate in ‘The Heat is On Memorial Day DUI enforcement period’ until Wednesday, June 5. During the 21 days, drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.

“As the days get longer and Coloradans attend more parties and social events, it’s important to remember that impaired driving can ruin lives,” said Chief of CSP, Matthew C. Packard. “Colorado lost 218 lives to impaired driving in 2023. These deaths were preventable. Don’t put yourself and other motorists at risk this season by driving impaired.”

During the Memorial Day Weekend enforcement period in 2023, there were 479 reported DUI arrests. Alcohol impairs the ability to concentrate while driving and increases the risk of crashing.

“Leave the driving to the sober this Memorial Day weekend. Always plan a sober ride home before going out so you won’t be tempted to later drive impaired,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “A DUI will ruin your summer fun and a crash could cost you your life. Never get behind the wheel if you are impaired.”

Individuals planning to partake of alcohol or cannabis during Memorial Day weekend should plan a sober ride, as it is the best way to avoid a DUI. Buzzed driving is drunk driving and can result in a DUI.

The recent Spring Events DUI enforcement period ended with 506 arrests across 81 participating agencies. Some departments with the highest arrests include Denver Police Department with 65 arrests, Colorado Springs Police Department with 55, and Aurora Police Department with 36.

Following Memorial Day, the next enforcement period will be Summer Blitz from Saturday, June 8 to Friday, June 21.

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