• 29
  • June
    2011

Approximately 40 percent of all of Colorado's motor vehicle deaths are caused by drunk driving accidents, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Preliminary data reveal that in 2010, 62 out of the 150 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Colorado (over 40 percent) happened between the Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

In an effort to reduce the number of drunk driving accidents, an extensive DUI crackdown, the "100 Days of Heat" began in Colorado the Friday before Memorial Day 2011 and will continue until Labor Day. There will be increased numbers of patrols and roving checkpoints. Last year, the "100 Days of Heat" effort resulted in over 3,000 arrests of Colorado drivers for driving while impaired.

Chief of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Col. James Wolfinbarger, explained the importance of the effort, "We're entering the deadliest season of the year on our roadways, so the DUI enforcement we do over the next 100 days will be critical in saving lives across the state."

The CSP also asks the public to report those drivers they suspect are impaired, and always designate a sober driver or use public transportation if you are planning on drinking. By taking simple steps like these you may prevent a tragic drunk driving accident from occurring.

The "100 Days of Heat" is part of Colorado's "The Heat Is On" campaign. The effort focuses on increasing DUI enforcement, as well as public awareness. CDOT provides funds to local law enforcement agencies to pay for overtime for DUI enforcement. Federal funds are also used by CDOT's Public Relations Office for advertising and outreach.

Hopefully increased public awareness and stricter enforcement will result in fewer motor vehicle accidents and fatalities this summer.

Source: The Heat is On