With the onset of summer, a statewide “Heat Is On” drunken driving enforcement campaign is underway through June 26 by Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement. The DUI blitz started June 16.

Summer months have the highest numbers of roadway fatalities involving impaired drivers. Last year, there were 21 in June, 22 in July and 22 in August, which accounted for 31 percent of all roadway fatalities in the state during 2016.

“Working with CSP and law enforcement partners, our goal is to keep Coloradans safe by removing impaired drivers and eliminating alcohol-related deaths on our roads this summer,” Darrell Lingk, CDOT Office of Transportation Safety director, said in a statement.

Eighty-three law enforcement agencies in the state are participating in the summer DUI blitz, and drivers should expect an increase in patrols, officers on duty and DUI checkpoints.

“An average of 77 impaired drivers are arrested in Colorado every day, a number that could be reduced to zero if everyone simply planned ahead and designated a sober ride,” Col. Scott Hernandez, CSP chief, said in a statement.

First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and steep fines. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.

The Heat Is On will return June 30 to July 5 for the Fourth of July DUI enforcement period.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the road, visit www.heatisoncolorado.com.

fstone@durangoherald.com