LCSO announces increased DUI saturation patrols this weekend

In an effort to deter underage driving under the influence (DUI) issues related to prom and after prom parties, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting increased DUI saturation patrols on April 26 and 27. This saturation patrol will take place in various locations in Larimer County.

The goal of the saturation patrols is to decrease the number impaired drivers on Colorado roadways and the related accidents and injuries associated with DUIs. We also want to educate the public regarding the dangers of drinking or using drugs and driving to help prevent DUI related fatalities. As a reminder to Colorado drivers, driving under the influence of any drugs is also illegal, and just as deadly and dangerous as driving drunk. If you drive impaired by drugs – even if they are legal like marijuana, you can be arrested for DUI.

According to the latest statistics from Colorado Department of Transportation, the average DUI charge can cost more than $10,270 dollars in court fees, insurance premiums, education classes, the loss of your driver’s license and in some cases an ignition interlock device that has to be installed in your car. Happy occasions like prom and graduations are known to sometimes involve underage drinking or marijuana smoking and this can result in tragedy. It is critical that parents keep the lines of communication open with their kids when it comes to talking about the dangers of underage drinking, marijuana consumption and driving while impaired.

CDOT reminds all drivers that each year in Colorado, more than 26,000 people are arrested for DUI and over 150 people are killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, representing more than one-third of Colorado’s total motor vehicle fatalities. Drug-impaired driving is also a serious problem, with 16 percent of fatalities (2006-2010) involving drivers who tested positive for drugs.