As the Snow Flies, DUI Enforcement Heats Up

Cold weather means warm clothes, cozy fires, and hot drinks. With drinks, however, comes an unfortunate increase in impaired drivers on our roads. Despite the chilly weather, CDOT, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and statewide law enforcement agencies teamed up to be on high alert for impaired drivers during the recent Winter Blitz DUI enforcement period. This was the first of 15 high-visibility enforcement periods that will take place this year as part of CDOT’s The Heat is On campaign, which focuses on reducing impaired drivers on Colorado’s roads and highways during national holidays and large public events.

This year’s Winter Blitz enforcement period extended from Jan. 18-28 and included 165 agencies across the state. Over the 11-day period, 612 impaired drivers were arrested — an average of 56 arrests per day. The arrest total marks a decrease from the 601 arrests made during the 2018 enforcement.

The highest number of arrests were made by the Denver Police Department with 56 arrests, Colorado Springs Police Department with 53 arrests, and Aurora Police Department with 35 arrests. 

Law enforcement officers had just enough time to warm up before reporting for kickoff for Super Bowl LIII. While Coloradans watched the game, CDOT and statewide law enforcement agencies were watching the roads. From Feb. 1-4, The Heat Is On returned for the Super Bowl high-visibility enforcement period to keep the party at the game and not on the streets. Through the celebratory weekend, 121 impaired drivers were arrested across the state, a decrease from the 261 arrests made during the same enforcement last year.