(COLORADO)—–When you’re enjoying a beer at the ballpark, a cocktail at dinner, or a smoke at a barbecue, you likely aren’t thinking about work. Yet, a bad choice to get behind the wheel impaired can lead to significant consequences on a person’s ability to find a new job or maintain their existing one. According to Colorado Crime Statistics, over 15,560 DUI cases were filed in 2024. In addition, 214 traffic fatalities involved an impaired driver (1/3 of Colorado traffic fatalities) last year. Drivers make choices every day. Colorado State Troopers want you to make the safe choice.
“Troopers, judges, and employers all take DUI seriously for a reason: it can and does impact innocent people. When you think about who a company would want to represent them, a person with a DUI doesn’t typically come to mind,” stated Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “Employers have a range of policies regarding DUI convictions. Some are extremely strict, depending on the nature of your job.”
Being convicted of DUI may disqualify a person from specific jobs, like those involving driving (trucking, forklift operator, transportation, etc.) or law enforcement. Even if other careers or employers are more lenient with their DUI policies, losing your license for nine months can hinder a person’s job performance and reduce their duties. Other professions, like healthcare, require licensing, and employees with DUIs can face additional scrutiny from licensing boards, which can result in further disciplinary actions or even revocation of their licenses.
“It is difficult to see the long-term effect that a DUI can have on your life,” explains Col. Packard. When you are 20, it's hard to imagine that a decision you make today could impact your income or employment options when you are 30 or 40. But employers often conduct background checks, and depending on their policies, a DUI conviction could lead to job denials, especially if positioned against other candidates without a criminal record.”
Keep your personal choices out of your business life. Plan for a sober ride, every time to celebrate outside of your home.
In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcement with impaired drivers, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver experiences after being arrested for DUI as part of their “Don’t Underestimate Impairment” campaign during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Making a good decision “in the moment” while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.
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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 protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.