The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a new video series aimed at highlighting the consequences of driving under the influence. Titled “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest,” the series features interviews with law enforcement, local officials, victims, and advocates. It details the six steps in the DUI process: arrest, court sentencing including jail time, license reinstatement, ignition interlock installation, victim impact panels, and alcohol education and treatment programs.
CDOT’s initiative comes as law enforcement agencies across Colorado begin their longest DUI enforcement period of the year. Heightened enforcement is scheduled through October 22. According to CDOT, there have been 5,177 crashes involving suspected impaired drivers so far this year.
By releasing these videos and working with law enforcement and traffic safety groups, CDOT aims to deter impaired driving and reduce related arrests and crashes in Colorado.
“Many drivers think that a DUI only consists of a fine. The reality is that paying a fine is only the beginning of the long road ahead,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A DUI will impact you for the rest of your life — financially, professionally and personally. More than 16,000 Coloradans will be arrested for a DUI this year and will have to navigate the DUI process. Don’t be one of them — always plan for a sober ride.”
The video series provides information about each step in the legal process following a DUI arrest.
Driving while impaired remains a risk to everyone on Colorado roads. Drivers can face arrest even if impairment is minor, leading to suspension of driving privileges.
“The ripple effects of impaired driving are significant and long-lasting,” said Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming. “Getting a DUI is like taking on a part-time job where you pay $13,500 — it would be cheaper to rent a limousine. Protect yourself and your loved ones by always using a sober designated driver, ride-share service, taxi or public transit. Before consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, take a moment to make a plan and ask yourself: ‘Do I have a safe way to get home?’”
Following a DUI conviction in Colorado, mandatory requirements include installing an ignition interlock device in all owned vehicles, filing an SR-22 insurance form with authorities, completing alcohol education classes or treatment programs, and retaking the driving test.
“From jail time and court fees to license suspension and ignition interlock requirements, the consequences of a DUI are serious and complicated,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “This video series helps people understand the true cost of a DUI: the financial burden, the time, the impact on your employment, the stress and the lasting impact on your life. A DUI doesn’t affect you only temporarily; it stays with you.”
Recent years have seen more drivers refusing toxicology tests after being stopped for suspected impairment in Colorado. Under state law known as Expressed Consent Law (codot.gov/choosetotest), drivers automatically agree to submit to testing when operating vehicles within state lines; refusal is illegal.
From September 11 through October 22 this year, CDOT will work with Colorado State Patrol and 69 local law enforcement agencies during The Heat Is On Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period — which lasts longer than any other annual campaign against impaired driving in Colorado. Last year between September and November there were 56 fatalities from impaired-driving crashes statewide; over 3,900 people were arrested for DUIs during that period.
Preliminary results from this year’s Labor Day Crackdown show that there were 336 arrests made by 80 participating agencies across Colorado; Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 38 arrests while Thornton Police Department reported 36 arrests during this campaign period.
The next scheduled heightened enforcement against impaired driving will occur over Halloween Weekend from October 31 through November 3.
