A record number of drivers got caught “pressing their luck” state-wide during this years’ DUI crackdown for the week of St. Patrick’s Day.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said today that the 64 participating police agencies arrested 661 DUI drivers during five days of increased enforcement that started last Friday and ended Wednesday. That tops the previous high of 626 DUI arrests in 2004 and is 141 more than last years’ total.
“It’s clear that we have a consistent problem that is not going away, despite our constant warnings and reminders about the consequences of drinking and driving,” Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said in a press release.
Early reports indicate that four people died in crashes involving alcohol. Police hoped to repeat last year’s crackdown results, when nobody died in DUI accidents.
Denver Police made the second most DUI arrests with 76. Colorado State Patrol led all agencies with 183 arrests.
“This crackdown may be over, but our determination to eliminate drunk drivers from our roadways continues 24-7,” Wolfinbarger said.
The “Heat is On” program increased patrols and issued sobriety tests at check points across the state.
This year’s driver awareness slogan was “Don’t Press Your Luck!”
Anthony Bowe 303-954-1661 or abowe@denverpost.com
