Colorado State Patrol Begins Targeted DUI Enforcement Ahead of July 4th Weekend
As of Wednesday, the Colorado State Patrol and 51 local law enforcement agencies have launched a six-day DUI enforcement campaign aimed at curbing impaired driving during one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year. The targeted effort, which runs through Monday, includes saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and increased on-duty law enforcement presence across the state.
“Since 2019, 31 people have died in crashes involving impaired drivers during the Independence Day holiday period,” said Darrell Lingk, director of CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety. “Prioritize safety this Fourth of July weekend and put down the keys if you’ve been drinking.”
According to CDOT, July consistently ranks among the highest months for impaired driving fatalities. While 2024 has seen an encouraging 15% decrease in DUI-related deaths compared to last year—82 deaths so far—the risk remains high as holiday celebrations ramp up.
To support safer choices, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering $20 in rideshare reimbursement for a one-way ride taken between Thursday and Sunday as part of its Holiday Rideshare Program.
The enforcement period falls within the so-called “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” when traffic deaths spike statewide. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, about one in three traffic fatalities involves an impaired driver, making this weekend a key focus for prevention efforts.
