DUI Enforcement Geared Up for Labor Day Weekend

DENVER, Aug. 27, 2003 -- This Labor Day weekend, approximately 55 law enforcement agencies statewide will be cracking down on drunk drivers, reports the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Law enforcement agencies will conduct traditional and mobile sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols, and saturation patrols throughout the holiday weekend. The enforcement period begins Friday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. and will end on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 3 a.m.

This weekend concludes the summer's 14-week DUI enforcement effort, also known as DUI Checkpoint Colorado, which launched Memorial Day Weekend 2003. Law enforcement agencies have made 539 DUI arrests since May 23, and have conducted a total of 81 sobriety checkpoints as of Monday, Sept. 3.

"This is the highest number of checkpoints that Colorado law enforcement has conducted in a 14-week period," said Tom Norton, CDOT executive director. "We are proud of the efforts and dedication of every law enforcement agency and every individual that has helped make this campaign a success."

Five law enforcement agencies will conduct a total of seven sobriety checkpoints this weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Chaffee County Sheriff's Office will conduct one traditional checkpoint. In addition, Longmont Police Department and Boulder County Sheriff's Office will join efforts to conduct three mobile checkpoints, as well as Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the Golden Police Department. This will be Jefferson County's fourth mobile checkpoint this summer. They have conducted more mobile sobriety checkpoints during DUI Checkpoint Colorado than any other law enforcement agency in the state.

"We will do whatever we can do to crack down on drunk drivers and make them aware of the consequences and dangers," said Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink. "We are asking Colorado drivers to think twice before picking up the keys when they've been drinking. We'll be out there on the roadways this weekend to contact those who make bad choices."

College and universities statewide support CDOT's efforts to curb drinking and driving, especially this holiday weekend. "The safety and health of our students is of the utmost concern to every college administrator. We're pleased to see CDOT, local police departments and State Patrol reaching out to the student community with education and, when necessary, enforcement," said UNC President Kay Norton.

Traditionally, the in-state football rivalry between the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State University Rams is held every Labor Day weekend. In an effort to educate students and fans about increased enforcement this weekend, DUI Checkpoint Colorado will target the CU/CSU game with anti-drinking and driving messages through radio announcements and messages displayed on the scoreboard during the game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium.

Dave Thomas, district attorney for Jefferson County, encourages Coloradans to think about the consequences they could be facing if they choose to drink and drive. "It's difficult to imagine the impact a DUI arrest will have on your life. You can lose your license, your freedom and worst of all, you may seriously harm or kill an innocent bystander in the process."

Colonel Mark Trostel, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, explains their efforts and primary focus during the enforcement effort this holiday weekend. "We, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to keeping Colorado roadways safe from drunk drivers. We want people to know that if you choose to drink and drive, no matter what time of year, you're not only putting your life at risk, but the lives of everyone else on the road."

During the 2002 Labor Day weekend, Colorado law enforcement agencies made 497 DUI arrests. Since The Heat Is On! DUI Campaign started in July 1996 and the DUI Checkpoint Colorado enforcement effort of 2003, agencies have made 27,492 DUI arrests on holiday weekends and special DUI enforcement periods.