Many people position the Labor Day weekend as the final blow-out of the summer. From sporting events to parties, a long weekend ushering in September seems like a great time to get together with friends and share summer stories. More often than not, these get-togethers are centered around alcohol.
This year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Police and local law enforcement agencies are partnering in a DUI enforcement period. During a similar initiative last year, 85 agencies teamed up and arrested 936 impaired drivers.
As part of this year’s The Heat Is On campaign, the CDOT is taking an unprecedented step by partnering with BACtrack – a manufacturer of personal and professional breath test machines. Through September, or while supplies last, the company is offering a 50 percent discount to Coloradans who plan on purchasing a breath test machine to measure impairment before getting behind the wheel.
In 2018, there were 209 passenger vehicle fatalities on Colorado roads involving impaired drivers. This accounts for more than one-third of all the traffic fatalities recorded for the year. More than 20 percent of those fatal crashes occurred in August and September last year.
The CDOT’s Labor Day DUI initiative is referred to as “Do One Smart Thing” as a recognition that impaired decision-making can become a bit blurry. While many consider this naming convention somewhat tongue-in-cheek, there’s nothing humorous about the penalties drivers face if arrested for DUI. Jail time, fines and loss of driving privileges are only the tip of the iceberg. It is crucial to have a skilled defender on your side ensuring that your rights are protected.