Thousands of travelers passing through Northern Colorado for the Sturgis Rally are being advised by CDOT to abstain from drinking alcohol, to ensure safe travels.
In the spirit of promoting road safety, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol are gearing up for a DUI enforcement period from July 31 to August 12. This initiative, part of the ongoing "The Heat Is On" campaign, aims to reduce impaired driving and improve safety during the height of the motorcycle travel season.
CDOT officials stress the importance of responsible riding, emphasizing the significance of wearing helmets, never riding under the influence, and being aware of Colorado's lane filtering law, which allows motorcyclists to move between stopped cars at intersections.
Sober riding saves lives, as stated by Darrell Lingk, Director of CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety. Refusing a DUI test is illegal and can result in license revocation and other penalties. Under Colorado's Expressed Consent Law, drivers automatically consent to toxicology testing following a DUI arrest.
Last year's Sturgis Rally enforcement period in Colorado resulted in 359 DUI arrests, underscoring the need for such initiatives. Notably, 44% of those who died in motorcycle crashes in Colorado were not wearing helmets, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, emphasized the potential dangers of both impaired driving and riding during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Lane splitting - passing moving vehicles between lanes - remains illegal in Colorado.
Motorcycles accounted for 24% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado last year, despite making up less than 3% of vehicles on the roadways. Drunk driving deaths are 100% preventable, according to Darrell Lingk.
CDOT urges all motorists to remember that DUI laws apply to alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. For more information on The Heat Is On campaign and DUI laws in Colorado, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com and NoDUIColorado.org.
While specific data on increased DUI enforcement during motorcycle rally season in Northern Colorado is not readily available, it is clear that the safety of motorcyclists is a pressing concern. Motorcycle deaths in Colorado have been increasing sharply, with 165 rider fatalities reported in 2024, the highest ever in the state. A significant share of these deaths involved riders without proper licensing or helmet use, indicating ongoing safety enforcement challenges for motorcyclists.
Law enforcement agencies such as the Grand Junction Police Department conduct DUI enforcement operations, which can lead to multiple arrests, but the sources do not specify if these operations are ramped up specifically during motorcycle rally seasons or detail the legal consequences related to these arrests.
In conclusion, the DUI enforcement period serves as a reminder for all motorists, especially motorcyclists, to prioritize safety on Colorado's roads. By adhering to safety guidelines and refraining from impaired driving, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment.
- In addition to promoting road safety during motorcycle rally seasons, law enforcement agencies in Northern Colorado, such as the Grand Junction Police Department, also conduct events focused on monitoring and preventing Sports-betting, Mixed-martial-arts, and other activities that could potentially lead to impaired driving.
- As the motorcycle travel season reaches its height, not only do residents of Northern Colorado need to be aware of DUI enforcement and the consequences of impaired driving, but they should also consider attending safe Sports events that encourage responsible behavior and adherence to Road safety guidelines.
