Colorado Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities Decrease by 7%;

Owens: 'DUI Deaths Are Senseless, Needless Tragedies That Can Be Prevented'

Governor Announces Largest Summer DUI Crackdown

DENVER, July 2 -- Alcohol-related traffic deaths in Colorado decreased by nearly seven percent in 2002, Governor Bill Owens announced today. Despite the drop, alcohol still played a role in a third of the traffic fatalities in the state last year.

"There are still far too many people who make the dangerous decision to drink and drive, causing senseless, needless tragedy. These tragedies can be prevented which is why Colorado is joining the other 49 states in a crackdown to take drunk drivers off our roads," Owens said.

According to data compiled by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 249 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2002, compared to 267 in 2001.

The DUI enforcement effort continues through July 12. During the period, Colorado will have nearly 800 officers assigned to overtime DUI enforcement, with the largest enforcement occurring from the July 4th weekend through July 12. CDOT coordinates the statewide enforcement and public awareness campaign.

"This is one of our biggest and most important safety campaigns," said Tom Norton, CDOT's Executive Director. "With an extensive partnership, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, other state agencies and local law enforcement agencies, our common goal is to prevent death on our highways."

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 53 police and sheriff's departments will conduct 34 saturation patrols, 60 increased patrols and 17 sobriety checkpoints. Colorado State Parks will conduct saturation patrols at eight State Parks and a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) checkpoint at Chatfield State Park. (Editors: A complete list of enforcement is attached.)

Last weekend, from June 27 to June 30, Colorado law enforcement agencies made 171 DUI arrests during the first phase of the campaign.

To help raise awareness about the campaign, Congress provided the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration $11 million for the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. media campaign. The campaign alerts motorists to the law enforcement crackdown.

Because 21-34 year-old males are most likely to drive while impaired, the campaign ads will run on selected programs and radio stations that appeal to this high-risk demographic group. The ads focus on the increased likelihood of being arrested, handcuffed, and booked.

For reports about DUI arrests during the National Crackdown and for DUI Checkpoint Colorado, visit www.dot.state.co.us/trafficsafety/ .

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more people are expected to travel on America's highways during the July 4th weekend and it could be one of the deadliest periods ever for impaired driving fatalities.

Last year on the four-day July 4th weekend, 16 people died on Colorado highways and 3 of the deaths involved alcohol. The last time that July 4th fell on a Friday, there were 4 traffic deaths during the three-day holiday period and 2 of the deaths involved alcohol.

In 2002 during the four-day July 4th weekend, law enforcement agencies participating in The Heat Is On! campaign made 531 DUI arrests.

                Summary of Colorado DUI Enforcement Plans
           National Mobilization, June 27 through July 12, 2003

The Colorado State Patrol will conduct saturation patrols statewide and assist local law enforcement agencies with their enforcement efforts.

The following law enforcement agencies will conduct DUI saturation patrols during the mobilization period.

   Arapahoe Co. S.O.                      Federal Heights P.D.
   Aspen P.D, Snowmass Village P.D.       Fort Collins P.D.
    and Pitkin Co. S.O.                   Lafayette P.D., Erie P.D.
   Crested Butte Marshall's Office         and Boulder Co. S.O.
   Crowley Co. S.O.                       Lakewood P.D.
   Douglas Co. S.O.                       Littleton P.D.
   Eagle Co. S.O.                         Longmont P.D.
   Englewood P.D.                         Pueblo P.D.
                                          Routt Co. S.O.

The following law enforcement agencies will conduct increased DUI patrols during the mobilization period.

   Basalt P.D.               Golden P.D.              Parker P.D.
   Carbondale P.D.           Greeley P.D.             Sheridan P.D.
   Castle Rock P.D.          Greenwood Village P.D.   Steamboat Springs P.D.
   Clear Creek Co. S.O.      Gunnison P.D.            Thornton P.D.
   Colorado Springs P.D.     Lafayette P.D.           Weld Co. S.O.
   Durango P.D.              Lamar P.D.               Windsor P.D.
   Florence P.D.             Monte Vista P.D.
   Ft. Morgan P.D.           Northglenn P.D.

The following law enforcement agencies will conduct DUI sobriety checkpoints during the mobilization period.

   June 27 - Summit County S.O.
   June 27 - Larimer County S.O.

   July 4 - Chaffee County S.O.
   July 4 - Mesa County S.O. and Fruita P.D. (3 mobile checkpoints)
   July 4 - Routt County S.O.

   July 5 - Denver P.D.
   July 5 - Jefferson County S.O. (3 mobile checkpoints)
   July 5 - Longmont P.D. and Boulder County S.O.

   July 11 - Colorado Springs P.D. and El Paso County S.O.
   July 11 - Denver P.D.

   July 12 - Denver P.D.
   July 12 - Boulder P.D.
   July 12 - Teller County S.O.