Police officers in Colorado arrested numerous motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation shows law enforcement in Colorado Springs made 18 DUI arrests, nine of which were on the 4th of July.
The increased DUI enforcement was part of CDOT’s The Heat Is On campaign, which started on July 3rd and ended on July 6th. Over 90 law enforcement agencies throughout the state took part in the campaign stepping up patrols and establishing sobriety checkpoints. Last year, a similar campaign by CDOT led to 303 DUI arrests throughout the state, with 78 law enforcement agencies taking part.
The Heat Is On runs throughout the year, with 12 heavy driving enforcement periods that fall on national holidays and public events, such as the Super Bowl or July 4th.
Are Colorado Drunk Driving Accidents Common?
DUI enforcement is important during this time of year, as AAA Colorado expects one in eight motorists throughout the state to travel 50 miles or more. According to the Centers for Disease Control, impaired drivers are a leading cause of fatal car accidents, killing 30 people in the United States every day.
Statistics from the Colorado State Patrol show in 2014, 513 Colorado motorists died in drinking or drug related car accidents. Survivors of drunk driving accidents can sustain catastrophic injuries capable of causing permanent disability.
For more information on options available to victims of drunk driving accidents and grieving family members, please explore our website.
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