Law enforcement agencies across the state will be working overtime over the long Fourth of July weekend to enforce of the state’s DUI laws and protect citizens from impaired drivers. Governor Bill Ritter supported the effort today by signing a proclamation of Coloradans’ right to safe and sober roadways.

“As we celebrate our country’s independence, it’s important to remember the freedoms we enjoy, but also the rights of others,” said Governor Bill Ritter. “The citizens of our state deserve safe and sober roadways and the right to travel freely without the danger of impaired drivers.”

With July 4th falling on a Wednesday this year, the Heat Is On enforcement period will last a total of 102 hours. It starts tonight, Friday, June 29 at 6 p.m. and ends at 3 a.m. on Thursday July 5th.

Last year, 19 people died in traffic crashes on Colorado highways between June 30 and July 9th. Eight of the victims died in crashes that involved alcohol and half of those victims were riding motorcycles.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a motorcycle, car, truck or a boat -- never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking,” said Colonel Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We have zero tolerance for anyone who is driving impaired, and we’ll be out in force to help protect everyone on the roads by arresting DUI drivers. Enjoy the holiday, but plan ahead by designating a sober driver. Motorists can report drunk and aggressive drivers by calling STAR-CSP (*277), a free cell phone call.”

DUI enforcement will not only take place on the state’s roadways, but also on water. The Colorado State Parks rangers will be out in force patrolling the state’s lakes and reservoirs. Several State Parks are partnering with local law enforcement to increase DUI enforcement inside and around the parks.

“Drinking and water sports make a deadly combination,” said Rick Storm, Chief of Law Enforcement for State Parks. “Nationally, one-third of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. Drinking impairs your judgment, your ability to swim and to safely operate a boat or jet ski. We are patrolling our waterways throughout the holiday week and will be on the lookout for anyone boating under the influence.”

The Colorado State Patrol will conduct saturation patrols around the state and assist local law enforcement agencies with their DUI enforcement efforts. A total of 65 agencies have filed plans for increased patrols and saturation patrols during the enforcement period. In addition, agencies will conduct 26 sobriety checkpoints during the Fourth of July holiday period.

In 2006, July 4th fell on a Tuesday and enforcement agencies made 628 DUI arrests statewide. Last year, 217 people died in alcohol-related crashes, which represented 41 percent of all traffic deaths.