Colorado police steps up DUI enforcement during holidays

In a campaign titled "The Heat Is On," Colorado State Police will step up its enforcement of the DUI law up to the first days of 2016. It also will increase the visibility of its state patrols on the days leading up to the New Year to discourage holiday celebrators from driving under the influence.

In a report published by The Coloradoan, CSP Chief Col. Scott Hernandez said firmly that he and his men will arrest anyone who drives their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He also asked the help of the people of Colorado by seeing to it that their friends and loved ones stay home and refrain themselves from drunk driving.

Col. Hernandez has good reason to voice his concern based on records. Every year, Colorado witnesses 26,000 road accidents and 150 deaths that have been caused by people who have commandeered their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Julesburg Advocate points out that the Colorado State Police had already launched its Heat is On Campaign for 10 days during the first part of December. The Highway Patrol had diligently roamed the roads of Colorado, stopping drunk drivers and arresting them. The campaign was launched from December 4-14 in order to make the highways and related areas safe for people traveling with their families during the holidays.

During those first weeks, Col. Hernandez reminded the people of the state that if they wish to drink during that time, they should get a sober friend to drive them home, or use "alternative transportation" that would not require them to get behind the wheel.

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend prior to the December "The Heat Is On" Campaign, the Colorado State Police made 17 drunk-driving arrests and 69 more for DUI.

According to the Journal Advocate, the Colorado State Police added 96 more DUI-related arrests during the December 4-14 enforcement period.

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