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While residents around the state enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day earlier this month, law enforcement was on high alert for impaired drivers as part of “The Heat Is On” campaign.
During the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, March 15-18, the Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies combined to arrest 293 impaired drivers, a dip from the 323 arrested during last year’s enforcement.
“With the accessibility of ride-hailing service and public transportation, its easier than ever for people to make the responsible decision and get a sober ride to their destinations,” said Derrell Lingk, director of CDOT’s Officer of Transportation Safety. “Unfortunately, some people still choose to drive impaired despite the serious safety risks and financial and legal consequences.”
One hundred and eight law enforcement agencies across the state participated in the enforcement period. The Denver Police Department (31 arrests), the Colorado Springs Police Department (26), and the Aurora Police Department (15) recorded the highest arrest totals. In Summit County, the sheriff’s office made four arrests and the Blue River Marshal’s Office made one.
The Heat Is On campaign will return for the Spring Events DUI enforcement period beginning April 5. Last year, 1,932 impaired drivers were arrested during the five-week enforcement period.
“It’s unfortunate that people chose to drive impaired, but lives were potentially saved by taking them off the roads,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.