Colorado stepping up DUI enforcement over Thanksgiving

Starting Friday, The Heat is on Campaign will kick off another DUI enforcement period for a 10-day stretch over the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Sgt. Travis Kitowski with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said, “We’re committed to arresting DUI drivers no matter what.”

Last year through the Heat is on Campaign, nearly 600 drivers were arrested for DUI during this same 10-day period.

Kitowski said, “It’s considered one of the busiest travel times of the year. When you get family get-togethers and friends getting together, unfortunately, drinking occurs as well and along with that is driving as well and that’s what this enforcement is for.”

However, he added it’s not just alcohol. They have discovered that 70 percent of the people pulled over for DUI also have marijuana in their system as well. 

“We’re seeing an increase of a combination of alcohol and marijuana and marijuana by itself,” said Kitowski. 

And according to Kitowski, El Paso County leads the state in impaired driving crashes, therefore they have zero tolerance towards this matter. 

“You could possibly lose your license up to a year as well as tens of thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, and lawyer fees.”

The enforcement period will run through December 2nd.