The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has introduced a new video series aimed at educating motorists about the consequences of driving under the influence. Titled “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest,” the series features interviews with law enforcement, local officials, victims, and advocates. It covers six stages in the DUI process: arrest, court sentencing including jail time, license reinstatement, ignition interlock installation, victim impact panels, and alcohol education and treatment programs.
Beginning September 11 and continuing through October 22, law enforcement agencies statewide will increase DUI enforcement as part of The Heat Is On Fall Festivals campaign. This period marks the longest annual crackdown on impaired driving in Colorado. CDOT reports that there have been 5,177 crashes involving suspected impaired drivers so far this year.
By releasing this video series and working with law enforcement and traffic safety groups, CDOT seeks to discourage impaired driving and reduce related crashes and fatalities.
“Many drivers think that a DUI only consists of a fine. The reality is that paying a fine is only the beginning of the long road ahead,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A DUI will impact you for the rest of your life — financially, professionally and personally. More than 16,000 Coloradans will be arrested for a DUI this year and will have to navigate the DUI process. Don’t be one of them — always plan for a sober ride.”
Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming added: “The ripple effects of impaired driving are significant and long-lasting. Getting a DUI is like taking on a part-time job where you pay $13,500 — it would be cheaper to rent a limousine. Protect yourself and your loved ones by always using a sober designated driver, ride-share service, taxi or public transit. Before consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, take a moment to make a plan and ask yourself: ‘Do I have a safe way to get home?’”
According to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), those convicted of DUI must install an ignition interlock device in all vehicles they own; file an SR-22 insurance form; complete alcohol education classes; undergo treatment programs; and retake their driving test—requirements that are both time-consuming and costly.
“From jail time and court fees to license suspension and ignition interlock requirements, the consequences of a DUI are serious and complicated,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “This video series helps people understand the true cost of a DUI: the financial burden, the time, the impact on your employment, the stress and the lasting impact on your life. A DUI doesn’t affect you only temporarily; it stays with you.”
Recent years have seen more drivers refusing toxicology tests after being stopped for suspected impairment in Colorado—a trend addressed by state law known as Expressed Consent Law. Under this law drivers automatically consent to toxicology testing following arrest, making refusal illegal.
Last year between September and November saw 56 deaths from impaired-driving crashes in Colorado along with over 3,900 arrests for DUIs during similar enforcement periods.
Preliminary data from Labor Day Crackdown show 336 arrests across 80 agencies statewide during its most recent operation; Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 38 arrests—the highest—followed by Thornton Police Department (36), Fort Collins Police Department (30), and Longmont Police Department (30). After Fall Festivals concludes Oct. 22nd , Halloween Weekend will mark another focused period for heightened enforcement from Oct .31 through Nov .3 .
