Law enforcement agencies around Colorado cited 781 unbuckled drivers and passengers during the state\u2019s rural seat belt enforcement period last month, including 66 for not ensuring children under the age of 15 were buckled in their car.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeat belts save lives, and we implore the public to help reduce injury and death on the road by buckling up,\u201d said Shoshana Lew, CDOT director. \u201cThis is one of the easiest and most impactful safety choices we can make each day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the \u201cClick It Or Ticket\u201d campaign, CDOT is also set to begin a new five-week \u201cThe Heat Is On\u201d campaign this month. The period will include heightened enforcement for all impairing substances, and not just alcohol. Last year, 1,932 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence during the enforcement period. The cost of a DUI can amount to over $13,500 in fines, legal fees and insurance costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, 41 alcohol-related traffic fatalities occurred in April and May combined,\u201d said Darrell Lingk, director of CDOT\u2019s Office of Transportation Safety. \u201cIn addition to significant financial costs, driving impaired puts both the driver and others on the road at serious risk.\u201d<\/p>\n