Increased law enforcement to hit the streets Friday looking for impaired drivers
Beginning Friday, Coloradans or those visiting the state, will want to make sure they have a sober driver, as extra law enforcement will hit the streets for the holiday weekend.
The Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and 94 local agencies across the state will participate in the “It’s Not Complicated” campaign that targets drunk driving.
Extra enforcement will be on the roads beginning Friday and will remain until Monday, according to a release from the state transportation department.
“The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, unfortunately, it is also one of the deadliest holidays for our communities each year. That’s why we’re asking you to make a plan,” said Matthew Packard, chief of CSP.
During the heightened enforcement period there will be extra officers patrolling the streets specifically for impaired driers, DUI saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, according to the release.
Last year, during the same enforcement period 171 impaired drivers were arrested.
More recently, during the Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period, 161 impaired drivers were arrested by 68 different agencies. The Denver and Colorado Springs Police Departments were the only agencies to arrest more than 30 people, according to the release.
In addition to the statewide campaign, the state’s transportation department is partnering with local bars in Denver and Colorado Springs to help increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
“This enforcement period will arrest and remove impaired drivers from Colorado roadways to help keep you safe,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “With so many resources, available, there is really no excuse to drive after consuming alcohol or marijuana.”





