Colorado Law Enforcement Launches "The Heat Is On Winter Blitz" DUI Enforcement Campaign
DENVER — The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), along with 71 law enforcement agencies statewide, is gearing up for a crucial initiative aimed at combating driving under the influence (DUI). The enforcement period, dubbed "The Heat Is On Winter Blitz," is scheduled from January 9 to January 22, 2025. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will support local law enforcement during this crackdown.
Drivers can expect increased police presence and sobriety checkpoints during the two-week enforcement phase. Col. Matthew C. Packard of the CSP emphasized the necessity of such measures, citing the troubling statistic of over 14,000 DUI arrests last year in Colorado. "Don’t ruin your wintertime fun with a DUI or life-altering crash," he warned, urging drivers to prioritize safety by arranging sober transportation.
CDOT reported that impaired driving resulted in 203 fatalities on Colorado roads in 2024, accounting for 30% of all traffic deaths. Notably, this figure reflects an 11% decrease from 2023 and marks the lowest incidence of impaired driving fatalities since 2019. El Paso, Adams, Weld, and Denver counties recorded the highest numbers of such fatalities.
Last year’s Winter Blitz resulted in 451 DUI arrests across the state. CDOT Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk reiterated the dangers of impaired driving, stating, “Driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis drastically increases the chance of a crash or serious injury."
Following this enforcement campaign, law enforcement agencies have plans for additional DUI crackdowns, notably during Super Bowl weekend from February 6 to February 12. The commitment to public safety continues as law enforcement agencies remind Coloradans to make responsible choices behind the wheel.