KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | DUI arrests down 40%
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"We hope the decline in DUI arrests is a sign that Colorado dens are getting the message that driving while is impaired is a crime that will not be tolerated,"
BY ROBERT GARRISON
RGARRISON@KJCT8.COM
DENVER (KJCT)- The heat was on during 'Office Party Weekend' of December 14-17, and apparently drivers got the message.
The number of DUI arrests was down 40% compared to the same enforcement period last year. During that weekend there were 285 DUI arrests statewide, compared to 475 DUI arrests that were made in 2006. The Mesa County Sheriffs Office reported 4 arrests during that weekend, all came from the same drinking establishment.
"We hope the decline in DUI arrests is a sign that Colorado dens are getting the message that driving while is impaired is a crime that will not be tolerated," said Col. Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
In addition to a drop in DUI arrests there appears to be a drop in DUI fatalities as well. According to CDOT, From Dec. 1-17 this year, 17 people were killed in traffic crashes in Colorado and three (18%) of those involved alcohol. From Dec. 1-17, 2006, 18 people died in traffic crashes and nine (50%) were alcohol-related.
Col. Mark Trostel of The Colorado State Patrol would like to remind drivers that there will be extra enforcement over the upcoming New Years holiday, he added. "As we head into Christmas and the New Year, people need to remember that it's critical to plan ahead if you intend to drink alcohol, by designating a sober driver or taking alternative transportation to get home safely."
