Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement will conduct a heightened DUI enforcement period through Monday to keep roads safe from impaired drivers during St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebrations.
The crackdown may include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement dedicated to impaired-driving prevention. The St. Patrick’s Day weekend enforcement period last year yielded 607 arrests related to impaired driving from alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.
“If you’re going to pinch a friend for not wearing green this weekend, why not make a point to keep them from getting behind the wheel impaired?” said Darrell Lingk, CDOT Office of Transportation Safety director, in a news release. “It’s no secret that, for many, alcohol is a major component of this holiday, but we hope people will plan a sober ride home before they go out, and make responsible choices before putting themselves and others in danger.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 39 percent of vehicle crash fatalities during the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period involved drunken drivers.
“One impaired driver on the road is too many, let alone over 600. People need to understand that even a single drink can impair your ability to drive and risk the safety of yourself and others – the consequences are simply not worth the risk,” said Col. Matthew Packard, CSP Chief, in a news release. “By not drinking and driving, you can help yourself and the Colorado State Patrol by being a force for good within your community.”
First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and steep fines. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.
For more information, visit www.heatisoncolorado.com.
fstone@durangoherald.com
