COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Southern Colorado law enforcement, prosecutors, military leaders, and the El Paso County coroner all gathered in the morgue at the El Paso County Coroner’s Office Tuesday to deliver a warning to would-be impaired drivers.
“If you drive drunk or drugged, we’re gonna get you. Driving impaired puts you and everybody else at risk. It’s nothing personal, it’s our job.”
Police are stepping up this week for the Fourth of July holiday to crack down on impaired driving. Impaired drivers can expect to face a variety of tactics, including saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints, targeted enforcement, and increased patrols throughout Southern Colorado during this holiday weekend.
As of June 29, 21 people have died in motor vehicle fatalities in Colorado Springs this year. Nine of these fatalities, or 53 percent, are presumed to have involved alcohol or drugs.
Sheriff Bill Elder said we are committed to making this weekend the safest ever.
“And you choose to put yourself at risk and all others at risk of serious injury and or death, we have a zero tolerance for this behavior.”
Sgt. Jason Jones
Drive Smart Colorado and the DUI task force urge residents to plan ahead and make the key decision before starting to celebrate. Choose a designated sober driver or use a ride or taxi service.
They said not planning for alternative transportation is a choice, not an excuse.
