Denver – Preliminary data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shows a 5% decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities this year between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, compared to the same time-period last year. CDOT reports 47 people were killed this summer in alcohol-related crashes, compared to 55 last summer. DUI arrests made during special summer enforcement periods are also down 12% from 3,531 in 2009 to 3,111 DUI arrests this summer.

“Our goal is always to reach zero for both the number of senseless deaths and DUI arrests,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Impaired driving is a tragic crime that wastes lives and causes immeasurable grief and loss. It is a crime that is totally avoidable by simply making the right choice of always designating a sober driver.”

“Although the number of summer alcohol-related fatalities is still preliminary, and may go up as reports come in, it does indicate we are making progress in the fight against this deadly crime,” said Pamela Hutton, Chief Engineer and Governor’s Representative for Highway Safety at CDOT. “Last year we had a record-low number of alcohol-related fatalities, and it seems we are moving toward saving more lives this year.”

The “100 Days of Heat” campaign, law enforcement’s statewide summer crackdown on drunk driving, has contributed to the decline in deaths by taking impaired drivers off the roadways and serving as a deterrent to others who are tempted to drink and drive. It kicked off Memorial Day Weekend with 651 DUI arrests. The Fourth of July enforcement period resulted in 591 DUI arrests, and summer sobriety checkpoints netted 297 DUI arrests. Most recently, Colorado law enforcement agencies wrapped up participation in the national DUI crackdown that occurred Aug. 20 through Sept. 7th, resulting in 1,650 DUI arrests.

Despite the end of “100 Days of Heat,” DUI enforcement is far from over. A fall DUI enforcement period has already begun and will continue until Oct. 25th. Additional DUI crackdowns will take place over Halloween weekend, and again over the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.

For more information about enforcement plans and arrest results by agency, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.

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100 Days of Heat Culminates with Labor Day Weekend DUI Crackdown

Denver, CO (September 2, 2010) – With the summer travel season unofficially coming to a close this Labor Day Weekend, the Colorado State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state are ramping up DUI enforcement with a goal of zero drug or alcohol-related fatalities this holiday weekend.

The crackdown will wrap up Colorado’s “100 Days of Heat” summer DUI campaign and is also part of the national effort, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.,” that began August 20th. Since then, 819 people have been arrested for DUI in Colorado.

“Impaired driving is not an accident. It is a crime that demonstrates a careless disregard for human life,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It is simply not acceptable that 191 people were killed on Colorado roadways last year because of someone’s selfish choice to drink and drive.”

With several major events planned this holiday weekend, including the big football game between CU and CSU, officials are warning people to designated sober drivers or face stiff consequences. A DUI costs a minimum of $10,270 and could include jail time, loss of a driver’s license or the required use of an ignition interlock device.

“People don’t think about the consequences of a DUI arrest until it’s too late, but it’s important to realize that the penalties are tough and can impact your ability to get to your job or take care of your family,” said Pamela Hutton, chief engineer and governor’s representative for highway safety at the Colorado Department of Transportation. “But all of those consequences can be avoided easily be designating a sober driver before you take that first sip of alcohol.”

The Colorado State Patrol and 84 law enforcement agencies have filed plans for increased patrols and saturation patrols through 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7th.

During last year’s 18-day national crackdown, law enforcement agencies in Colorado made 1,956 DUI arrests.