July was the deadliest month so far this year for impaired driving-related crashes in Colorado, resulting in 26 fatalities. In total, 124 people have died in 2025 due to traffic crashes involving a suspected impaired driver. With Labor Day weekend approaching, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will join the Colorado State Patrol and 56 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Labor Day Crackdown DUI enforcement period from August 15 to September 3.
Labor Day signals the end of what is known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that typically sees an increase in fatal crashes. CDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead and secure a sober ride home during the holiday weekend.
“July historically has some of the highest numbers of impaired-related crash fatalities when compared to other months. Impaired driving-related crashes, injuries and fatalities are tragic and completely avoidable,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t make excuses or exceptions. If you’ve been drinking, put down the keys and call a sober friend. You’ll be glad you did.”
Over the past five years, July has consistently ranked among the top months for impairment-related fatalities on Colorado roads. During this year’s 20-day Labor Day enforcement period, drivers can expect saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and increased law enforcement presence focused on identifying and arresting impaired drivers.
“No celebration or convenience is worth a life,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Whether you use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation, it’s always better to find a safe ride home than risk a DUI, crash or worse.”
Impaired driving carries not only safety risks but also significant legal consequences such as jail time, license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and potential job loss. According to CDOT and Colorado State Patrol estimates, a DUI in Colorado can cost an average of $13,530 due to fines, legal fees, higher insurance premiums, and lost work time. For those with careers that require clean driving records—such as truck drivers or law enforcement officers—a DUI can threaten their employment.
Earlier this year, CDOT launched an educational campaign about the consequences of refusing DUI blood or breath tests under Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law. This law states that by operating a vehicle in Colorado, drivers automatically consent to toxicology testing after a DUI arrest. Recent years have seen more drivers refuse these tests despite refusal being illegal; such actions hinder efforts to keep roads safe from impaired drivers. More information about these laws is available at codot.gov/choosetotest.
After The Heat Is On Labor Day Crackdown ends on September 3rd, another DUI enforcement period will run during Fall Festivals from September 11 through October 22.
CDOT is offering new footage from DUI checkpoints for media use that shows actual interactions between law enforcement officers and motorists at checkpoints as part of its effort to highlight the dangers of impaired driving.
