To keep motorists safe on Colorado roads, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), and local law enforcement conducted a new The Heat Is On DUI enforcement period this year to coincide with the Presidents Day holiday. During the 11-day enforcement period 577 impaired drivers were arrested.

Ninety statewide law enforcement agencies participated in the Presidents Day enforcement period, with the Denver Police Department (110 arrests) and Colorado Springs Police Department (64 arrests) recording the highest arrest totals. CSP arrested an additional 58 DUI offenders across the state. Comprehensive results from all participating agencies can be found at codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal. Arrest data is organized by law enforcement agency and enforcement period.

“If there’s a holiday or long weekend, we anticipate more drivers on the road and more impaired drivers,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. “Unfortunately, 577 drivers made the poor and dangerous decision to drive impaired this Presidents Day. With continued enforcement on this holiday, we believe more drivers across the state will make the safe, smart choice to have a sober driver next Presidents Day, and every day.”

The Heat Is On will return for the St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement period from March 13–18.

CDOT’s The Heat Is On DUI-prevention campaign, including the Presidents Day and St. Patrick’s Day enforcement periods, supports CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.