The Heat Is On Begins 2018 With 860 DUI Arrests

Colorado law enforcement remain vigilant year-round in their mission to remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads. Aiding in this mission, CDOT's Highway Safety Office provides funding to statewide law agencies for impaired-driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. This additional funding facilitates The Heat Is On campaign’s 14 high-visibility impaired-driving-enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events.

From Feb. 2 to Feb. 5, law enforcement from 106 agencies across the state participated in the Super Bowl Weekend enforcement period, arresting 259 drivers under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, a decrease from the 278 arrests made during the same enforcement period last year. The Denver Police Department (27 arrests), Colorado Springs Police Department (22 arrests), and Aurora Police Department (18 arrests) recorded the most arrests.  In addition, Colorado State Patrol troops arrested 50 drivers during the enforcement period.

Earlier, the Winter Blitz enforcement period saw participation from 108 law enforcement agencies, arresting 601 drivers between Jan. 19 and Jan. 29, a decrease from the 608 arrests during the same enforcement stretch last year. The Colorado Springs Police Department (62 arrests), Denver Police Department (41 arrests), and Aurora Police Department (32 arrests) recorded the most arrests. In addition, CSP troops arrested 131 drivers during the enforcement period.

Looking ahead, The Heat Is On returns on March 16 for the four-day St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period. Don't count on luck to get you home safe after your St. Patrick’s Day revelry. Even if you've only had one alcoholic beverage, law enforcement can arrest you for driving under the influence (DUI) at any blood alcohol concentration level if they suspect even the slightest amount of impairment.

Find more details including impaired-driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com.