The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) issued a press release on June 12 announcing how many driving under the influence (DUI) drivers were pulled over during Memorial Day weekend this year. This year they nabbed 300 suspected impaired drivers, 32 less than the amount of arrests made during the same time frame last year.
This year’s holiday operation, which was dubbed the “Heat is On,” involved the participation of over 100 different police departments. Each stepped up their patrols of target areas between May 25-29.
A CDOT spokesperson commented that historically, the state had seen an increase in traffic-related fatalities during the summer months. In 2017, nearly one-third of all them happened during June, July or August. He also warned the public that even a motorist can become too impaired to drive safely after a single drink.
During the Memorial Day Heat is On operation, at least 10 percent of the DUI arrests that were made were here in Jefferson County.
CDOT data shows that of those 30 people who were arrested here, at least five were arrested by the Colorado State Patrol in Golden. Another nine were arrested by police in Lakewood. Six were arrested by law enforcement officers in Arvada. Another nine were picked up by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Each day across Colorado, some 77 impaired drivers are taken into custody on suspicion of drunk or drugged driving.
Drivers who have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level of .05 or more can be arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired (DWAI) in Colorado. Those with a BAC of .08 or more can be arrested and charged with DUI.
Even first-time offenders can face hefty fines, jail time and have their license suspended. Having a Lakewood DUI defense attorney on their side can help them navigate the legal system.