The new year means a new set of "The Heat Is On" DUI enforcement periods for Colorado drivers, starting with Winter Blitz from January 17-27.
Officers arrested 612 impaired drivers during the Winter Blitz enforcement last year.
The enforcement periods are a joint effort between Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement agencies.
CDOT executive director Shoshana Lew says DUI crashes remain a leading cause of deaths on Colorado roads. "Always plan a sober ride home. There are many alternatives options to get you home and no excuse not to use them," Lew said.
Some people may be close to or above Colorado's DUI and DWAI numbers after just one or two drinks. The legal limits are .05% blood-alcohol content for DWAI, or Driving While Ability Impaired, and .08% for DUI.
If an officer notices signs of impairment drivers can be arrested even if their BAC is below .05%, so the only way to ensure you are safe to drive is to have a BAC of zero.
A DUI can cost more than $13,500 when factoring in fines, legal fees, and increased insurance costs.
