(COLO) – Preliminary numbers from 2022 indicate that Colorado lost 754 lives in traffic crashes, the most roadway deaths the state has seen in 41 years. Despite the readily available options of road share services, public transportation, designated drivers or abstinence, last year impaired driving increased from 2021 by 6% and was the number one cause of fatal crashes.
To reverse this trend, the Colorado State Patrol and partner law enforcement agencies in Northern Colorado will be conducting increased patrols of Interstate 25 and Highway 85 in Larimer and Weld Counties on the evenings of Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, coinciding with Cheyenne Frontier Days. Participating agencies will have law enforcement officers dedicated to the detection and apprehension of drivers who may be impaired by or otherwise under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of these substances.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has confirmed that Wyoming agencies in the Cheyenne area are planning similar, simultaneous operations.
This high-visibility operation intends to gain voluntary compliance from the motoring public to find designated drivers or otherwise abstain from drinking alcohol, smoking or ingesting cannabis or cannabis products and then endangering others by driving.
If you encounter a suspected impaired driver, the driver should be avoided by getting out of the way. Contact the Colorado State Patrol after you pull over by calling *CSP (*277) or 303-239-4501. Be prepared to provide the following information: vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description, and the driving behavior being demonstrated.
Participating Agencies:
- Colorado State Patrol – Statewide DUI Team
- Colorado State Patrol – Troop 3C Fort Collins
- Colorado State Patrol – Troop 3A Greeley
- Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
- Weld County Sheriff’s Office
- Ault Police Department
- Wyoming Highway Patrol and Cheyenne, Wyoming area Law Enforcement Agencies
Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including impaired driving while launching a yearlong campaign called “Drive Safe.” This campaign reminds people to plan for a sober ride, drive the speed limit and control their lane position based on their current driving environment.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.