NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
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Whether you are on vacation or a resident of Colorado’s Western Slope, local Colorado State Patrol troopers are sending a message that drinking and other forms of impairing substances impact your ability to safely operate a vehicle and endanger lives. According to CDOT, last year DUI-related crashes hit a 21-year high in Colorado.
The Fourth of July holiday brings numerous opportunities to celebrate, have you planned to party in place or arrange for a sober ride?
Last year Colorado State Troopers investigated 66 serious injury or fatal crashes attributed to impaired driving on the Western Slope of Colorado between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Looking across the entire state of Colorado, the Fourth of July ranked third for the most DUI citations and arrests made by troopers.
“Even if you are vacationing from another state, you can find yourself stopped and charged in Colorado for driving while intoxicated,” stated Major Dave Rollins, District Commander for Region 4 (northwest Colorado) of the Colorado State Patrol. “In addition, the Interstate Driver’s License Compact includes 45 states and the District of Columbia, ensuring that your home state will receive information about your driver’s license suspensions and traffic violations while on vacation, treating your DUI offense as if it happened at home.”
If a motorist is from Colorado, anticipate that a DUI will impact you significantly. While penalties are determined by the court and may vary, they could exceed $14,500.
According to NoDUIColorado.org, you could be required to pay the following fees if you get a DUI:
- Increased Auto Insurance – $3,600
- Ignition Interlock Service – $2,172
- Alcohol/Drug Treatment & Education – $1,000
- Defense Attorney – $3,655
- Arrest, Court & Legal Fees – approx. $2,300
- Department of Revenue & DMV Fees – approx. $773
Enjoy all the mountain activities and relax with the beautiful views. And, if you choose to party, park your vehicle and put away the keys. Make a plan for a sober ride!
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