Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement will conduct a heightened DUI enforcement period through Nov. 27 to keep roads safe from impaired drivers over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The “Heat Is On” blitz started Friday, and includes 111 agencies statewide.

“CSP and local agencies will be active in tracking down as many impaired drivers as possible during this enforcement period,” Col. Scott Hernandez, CSP chief, said in a news release. “We urge people to wear seat belts, travel safely and consume responsibly. Many people don’t understand that even small amounts of alcohol or marijuana can be dangerous. One irresponsible decision can impact the lives of many.”

The crackdown may include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement dedicated to impaired-driving prevention. Last year’s 10-day Thanksgiving enforcement included 101 law enforcement agencies and arrested 522 impaired drivers.

“We know Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and celebration, but we want Colorado’s residents and holiday guests to understand that impaired driving will not be tolerated,” Darrell Lingk, CDOT Office of Transportation Safety director, said in a news release. “Make a plan. If you’re going to drink at all, arrange a sober ride home. Otherwise, you put yourself and others at risk.”

Six traffic fatalities that involved an impaired driver were recorded during the long Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 in Colorado.

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

fstone@durangoherald.com