The number of impaired driving fatalities was down nationwide in 2007, but up slightly in Colorado. New national figures released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation show a decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities in 32 states, while Colorado and 17 other states showed increases.

In 2007, there were 226 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Colorado – a 3.7% increase from 2006, when there were 218. Nationwide, 12,998 people were killed in DUI crashes, a decline of 3.7% from the 13,491 fatalities in 2006.

“It is extremely disappointing to see an increase in the number of people killed by drunk drivers in Colorado, but it further renews our commitment to stopping this crime that effects so many lives in our state,” said Pamela Hutton, CDOT Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety. “Our state law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to keep impaired drivers off our roadways, but we need help from everyone in order to save more lives.”

More than 65 law enforcement agencies across Colorado have joined a nationwide DUI crackdown called “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” that continues until 3 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2. According to preliminary reports, more than 600 people have been arrested for DUI in Colorado since the enforcement period began on August 15.

“As our summer unofficially comes to a close this Labor Day Weekend, we want to remind everyone to be safe and designate a sober driver or take public transportation if you plan on drinking alcohol,” said Col. Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “There’s simply no excuse to drink and drive. If you are over the limit. You will be under arrest.”

To view enforcement plans by agency, visit dot.state.co.us/trafficsafety/ and click Reports on the header. Choose Enforcement Period Plans, select Summer Checkpoints 2008 and National Crackdown Labor Day 2008 and click Report. After the enforcement period ends, DUI arrests totals are available by clicking Reports on the header. Choose Heat is on! Enforcement, select National Crackdown Labor Day 2008 and click View Report.