According to the release from CSP and the Colorado Department of Transportation, October has proven to be a busy and dangerous month for drunk drivers.
Click below for the release from CSP and CDOT.
Here is the release:
October Is Colorado’s Deadliest Month for Impaired Driving
Increased DUI Enforcement & Education Efforts Are Underway
Denver – The summer months are no longer the deadliest time on Colorado roadways when it comes to alcohol- and drug-related fatalities. October was the worst month in 2009 with 26 deaths attributed to alcohol or drugs, representing 56 percent of all traffic deaths that month. To prevent those tragic deaths this year, the Colorado State Patrol and 52 law enforcement agencies have already begun a special fall “Heat Is On” enforcement period that will continue until October 25th.
“We are not sure exactly what has contributed to the increase in impaired driving fatalities in October, but we know that fall is a season of festivals, football and Halloween parties, where a lot of alcohol is consumed. But that’s no excuse to put lives in danger by getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The key to saving lives is planning before the big game or party to make sure you have a sober designated driver or have plans for taking public transportation.”
In an effort to prevent impaired driving this fall, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is continuing educational outreach to warn people about the increased DUI enforcement and the impacts and costs of a DUI. CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol have joined the Denver Broncos Designated Driver Program, which rewards designated drivers who sign up at Broncos home games with a free non-alcoholic drink, a lanyard and chance to win a $100 gift card to the Broncos Store at each home game.
Public service announcements will also air during Broncos football games. Fans who have a designated driver, or who are themselves one, will be encouraged to text “DD GAMEPLAN” to a special number for a chance to win a Bronco’s autographed football each week.
“We hope people will take action before they start drinking to make a game plan and toss the keys to a designated driver or pass on drinking altogether,” said Pamela Hutton, governor’s representative for highway safety at CDOT. “We know the football puns are there, but they ring true and will save lives if people take them to heart.”
CDOT is also reaching out to college football fans with partnerships with the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State University Rams football teams. At each home game in Boulder and Fort Collins, a public service announcement will run on the video board that features fans and team captains or the coach telling fans: “Don’t be an Idiot. Don’t Drink and Drive.” The campaign features a Website, www.DUIwillCostU.com where the PSAs can be viewed and other information is available about the impacts of a DUI, including the cost of $10,270.
“We know that the majority of people out there make responsible choices, but it only takes one person to ruin countless lives,” said Col. Wolfinbarger. “We hope we don’t have to arrest anyone, but we will do what it takes to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers. Help do your part to make October 2010 one of the safest on record.”
During last year’s fall enforcement period, 1,522 people were arrested for DUI, and an additional 357 were arrested over the Halloween weekend crackdown. The next “Heat is On” DUI enforcement period takes place over Halloween weekend, Oct. 29-Nov. 1st. To view enforcement plans and arrest results, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.
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