“The Heat Is On” this St. Patrick’s Day as state and local agencies partner for increased DUI enforcement, that began Friday and will continue to Friday.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and more than 80 local law enforcement agencies statewide are cracking down on drunken drivers and raising awareness about the risks.

The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have DUI checkpoints planned but will increase patrols on St. Patrick’s Day.

“We do this on most holidays when people are recreating,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Dan Bender. “It’s something we’re looking for more closely because of past history of increased alcohol consumption.”

Durango Police issue an average 300 DUI citations each year.

In 2014, there were 273 citations, compared to 240 last year. Durango Police Lt. Ray Shupe said those numbers are fairly consistent, and DUI enforcement is a priority for DPD year-round.

“We don’t participate in The Heat is On program per se, because of the way those grants are administered,” Shupe said. “But we staff extra for holidays, and we’re pretty big on DUI enforcement anyway. It’s a huge public safety issue.”

Last year, Colorado law enforcement agencies arrested 505 motorists for DUI during the weeklong St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period, reflecting a 14 percent increase from 2014. March also ranks third behind August and September for most fatalities when impairment is suspected.

“The increase in DUI arrests during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement last year was troubling,” State Patrol chief Col. Scott Hernandez said in a news release. “We strongly encourage people to plan ahead and make critical decisions before drinking. By taking alternative transportation to your destination, you can eliminate the risk of driving after drinking.”

The Heat is On is a year-round campaign against impaired driving, with 12 designated enforcement periods targeting holidays and large events.

Sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols are typical components of these enforcement periods.

This year, CDOT representatives will be in Denver, allowing patrons at The Irish Snug pub on Colfax Avenue to test personal smartphone breathalyzers and demonstrate the varying impacts of alcohol on different people.

For more information, visit www.heatisoncolorado.com.