As spring kicks off in Colorado, the Department of Transportation is preparing for traveling and tourism with heightened DUI enforcement beginning Friday.

The spring DUI enforcement period will last until May 10. During this period, CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and 84 local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the state.

“As temperatures warm and more Coloradans are vaccinated, we expect more people to be on our roadways,” said CSP Chief Matthew Packard. “Everyone is eager to get back to normal, but this isn’t an excuse to be careless.”

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Last year, impaired drivers were involved in nearly 33% of all fatal car crashes in Colorado, resulting in the deaths of 208 pedestrians, motorcyclists and drivers, according to CDOT.

As of March 31, 34 fatalities in Colorado have involved an impaired driver so far this year.

“If you plan to drink, it’s your responsibility to be proactive before getting behind the wheel and plan for a sober ride home,” said CDOT Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “If you see someone reach for their keys after drinking, speak up.”

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Last year, the spring DUI enforcement period resulted in 468 DUI arrests.

During the most recent DUI enforcement period for St. Patrick’s Day, 101 agencies arrested 206 impaired drivers – up from 195 arrests during the same enforcement period in 2020.

Of the St. Patrick’s Day arrests, Colorado Springs, Golden, Denver and Lakewood had the most, recording 33, 11, 10 and 10 arrests respectively. The Colorado State Patrol made 35 arrests.