DUI Patrols Planned Friday In Golden, JeffCo Mountains

GOLDEN, CO – Let someone else drive if you're going to be drinking this weekend. Friday night, Jefferson County Sheriff's patrol officers will be conducting a county-wide DUI saturation patrol, the office announced.

About 500 crashes every year in Jefferson County have involved a drunk driver since the Colorado Department of Transportation has been collecting data. That's among the highest level in the state, the sheriff's office said.

"The purpose of this DUI saturation is to mitigate drunk driving by sending the message that driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated," a statement from the JeffCo sheriff said.

DUI enforcement patrols will be out in the following areas Friday, the sheriff said:

• Golden and Lakewood: Along CO Highway 58, Colfax Avenue, and West 6th Avenue
• Littleton, Ken Caryl: South along the S. Wadsworth Blvd and S. Simms St corridors
• Mountain areas: I-70, Evergreen Parkway, County Road 73, CO Highway 74 and US Highway 285

The legal BAC limits for driving in Colorado are 0.05 for driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and 0.08 for driving under the influence (DUI).

More than one-third of fatalities on Colorado's roads have involved an impaired driver, the Colorado Department of Transportation reports.

"It takes one person's bad decision to change many lives forever. Plan a sober ride before you start celebrating," said Darrell Lingk, director of the office of transportation safety.

Advice from law enforcement agencies:

• Colorado's Click It Or Ticket campaign is underway so buckle up, it's the best defense ifyou're in a crash.
• Drive sober – Plan your designated driver and take the keys away from friends or family that are drinking this weekend.
• Never drive distracted – Put down your phone and just drive; Avoid other distractions thatdiverts your full attention to the road.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 9-1-1.

"Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs significantly impairs a person's ability to drive," said Col. Matthew Packard, Chief of the CSP in a statement. "Consuming any amount of alcohol or other drugs can cause impairment. If you are ever unsure if you are safe to drive, always opt for a sober ride home — you could save lives."

Find out more at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

Image via Shutterstock

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