DENVER - The Colorado State Patrol and statewide law enforcement agencies are once again stepping up DUI enforcement leading into the New Year's holiday, announced the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

The holiday Heat Is On enforcement begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28 and ends at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008.

During last year's New Year's Eve enforcement period, 449 people were arrested for DUI in Colorado and there were no alcohol-related fatalities. "It's a fact, drinking and driving don't mix for anyone, regardless of age or life experience," said Colonel Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Defensive driving is key and you should always be aware of the other drivers on the road. Always buckle up yourself and your passengers as that is a major factor in preventing injuries or possible death. If celebrating with alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation. Law enforcement across the state will be out in force to keep our highways safe from impaired drivers."

The Colorado State Patrol and the following 71 agencies have filed plans for increased patrols and saturation patrols during the enforcement period.

Increased patrols: Arapahoe County S.O. Basalt P.D. Bent County S.O. Broomfield P.D. Buena Vista P.D. Castle Rock P.D. Colorado Springs P.D. Cortez P.D. Crested Butte M.O. Denver P.D. Dolores County S.O. Douglas County S.O. Durango P.D. Erie P.D. Fort Lupton P.D. Fremont County S.O. Golden P.D. Grand County S.O. Hayden P.D. Hinsdale County S.O. La Junta P.D. Lafayette P.D. Lake County S.O. Lakewood P.D. Larimer County S.O. Littleton P.D. Longmont P.D. Mancos M.O. Mesa County S.O. Miliken P.D. Mineral County S.O. Monte Vista P.D. Montezuma County S.O. Morgan County S.O. Otero County S.O. Parker P.D. Pagosa Springs P.D. Pueblo County S.O. Pueblo P.D. Rangely P.D. Rio Blanco County S.O. Rio Grande County S.O. Routt County S.O. Saguache County S.O. Sheridan P.D. Summit County S.O. Teller County S.O. Thornton P.D. Vail P.D. Weld County S.O. Wheat Ridge P.D. Yuma P.D.

Saturation Patrols: Aspen P.D. Avon P.D. Canon City P.D. Chaffee County S.O. Eagle County S.O. Elbert County S.O. Elizabeth P.D. Fort Collins P.D. Fowler P.D. Fraser/Winter Park P.D. Greeley P.D. Greenwood Village P.D. Lone Tree P.D. Montrose P.D. Monument P.D. Northglenn P.D. Parker P.D. Steamboat Springs P.D. Sobriety Checkpoint: Custer County S.O.

In 2006, 42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. Out of that number 13,470 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. "We hope everyone will make a New Year's resolution to never drive after drinking alcohol," said Pam Hutton, CDOT's Governor's Representative for Highway Safety. "Please plan ahead for your New Year's celebration by designating a sober driver or taking public transportation."