Colorado State Patrol troopers and local law-enforcement officers made 296 drunken-driving arrests in the state during the Fourth of July holiday.

Six DUI arrests were made by state patrol officers based in Durango, Capt. Adrian Driscoll said. The office covers mainly Archuleta, La Plata and Montezuma counties.

“We put a lot of effort into the campaign,” he said. “I think we probably got a couple more than usual.”

Durango police Lt. Ray Shupe said his officers made four DUI arrests, two each on July 4 and July 6.

Denver police arrested 48 drivers for DUI, Aurora caught 35 and Colorado Springs, 22.

The National Traffic Safety Administration says the Fourth of July holiday is particularly grim for driving and drinking. In five years, 2008 to 2012, 40 percent of all traffic fatalities July 4 involved an impaired driver.

Preliminary counts show there were three alcohol-related fatalities in Colorado during the past July 4th holiday.

Increased attention for impaired drivers is called The Heat Is On campaign. It focuses on 12 specific holidays and large public events every year.

daler@durangoherald.com