The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a new video series titled “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest” to illustrate the various stages and consequences faced by individuals arrested for driving under the influence. The series features interviews with law enforcement officers, local officials, victims, and advocates. It outlines six key 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.
This initiative coincides with the start of Colorado’s longest DUI enforcement period of the year. Law enforcement agencies statewide will increase efforts through October 22. CDOT reports that so far this year there have been 5,177 crashes involving suspected impaired drivers.
By producing these videos and working with law enforcement and safety advocates, CDOT seeks to deter impaired driving and reduce related crashes and fatalities 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 series aims to clarify how impaired driving can result in an arrest even at low levels of intoxication, 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?’”
According to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, mandatory requirements after receiving a DUI include installing an ignition interlock device in all owned vehicles, filing an SR-22 insurance form, completing alcohol education and treatment classes, and retaking the driving test—steps that are both costly and time-consuming.
“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 during traffic stops in Colorado. Under state law known as Expressed Consent Law (codot.gov/choosetotest), anyone who drives in Colorado automatically consents to such tests if arrested for suspected impairment; refusal is illegal.
CDOT’s Fall Festivals DUI enforcement period runs from September 11 through October 22 in partnership with Colorado State Patrol and 69 local law enforcement agencies across the state—the longest such effort each year. Last fall between September and November saw 56 deaths from impaired-driving crashes on Colorado roads while more than 3,900 people were arrested for DUIs during that period.
Preliminary figures show that during this year’s recent Labor Day Crackdown enforcement period there were 336 arrests made by 80 participating agencies; Larimer County Sheriff’s Office had 38 arrests while Thornton Police Department recorded 36 arrests.
After Fall Festivals concludes later this month, another focused enforcement effort will take place over Halloween weekend from October 31 through November 3.
