July marks deadliest month for impaired driving so far this year

El mes de julio ha sido el más mortífero por conductores ebrios o drogados en lo que va del año en español

Statewide — July was the deadliest month so far this year for impaired driving-related crashes in Colorado, claiming 26 lives. In 2025 so far, 124 people have died in traffic crashes involving a suspected impaired driver. With the end of summer approaching and Labor Day weekend ahead, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol and 56 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period from Aug. 15 to Sept. 3.

Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically sees a spike in fatal crashes. CDOT is urging drivers to make safe choices this holiday weekend by planning ahead and choosing a sober ride home.

“July historically has some of the highest numbers of impaired-related crash fatalities when compared to other months. Impaired driving-related crashes, injuries and fatalities are tragic and completely avoidable,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t make excuses or exceptions. If you’ve been drinking, put down the keys and call a sober friend. You’ll be glad you did.”

Over the past five years, July has repeatedly ranked among the top months for impairment-related fatalities on Colorado roads. During the 20-day Labor Day enforcement period, motorists may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and saving lives.

“No celebration or convenience is worth a life,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Whether you use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation, it’s always better to find a safe ride home than risk a DUI, crash or worse.”

Beyond the serious safety risks posed by impaired driving, DUIs carry numerous consequences including jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements and even job loss. The average cost of a DUI in Colorado is $13,530 when considering fines, legal fees, increased insurance costs and lost work time. A DUI can also jeopardize careers that rely on a clean driving record, such as trucking, law enforcement or other transportation-related roles, according to Colorado State Patrol.

This spring, CDOT launched a campaign to educate the public on the consequences of refusing a DUI blood or breath test. Under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law, by driving a vehicle in the state you automatically consent to a toxicology test following a DUI arrest. Colorado has seen an increase in drivers who refuse a toxicology test in recent years. Refusing a test is illegal, and it hinders efforts to keep Colorado roads safe from impaired drivers. Learn more about the law and the consequences of refusing to test at codot.gov/choosetotest.

Following the Labor Day Crackdown, the next DUI enforcement period will be Fall Festivals from Sept. 11 to Oct. 22.

DUI Checkpoint B-Roll

CDOT is making new DUI checkpoint footage available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers** at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. Access the footage by emailing [email protected].

**The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.

About The Heat Is On

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 15 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information, at codot.gov/safety

Crash Not Accident

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