Colorado State Patrol is warning motorists to drive sober over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend

St. Patrick’s Day weekend is no reason to party without a plan. Colorado State Troopers will be out in full force across the state looking for those who choose poorly by getting behind the wheel while impaired.

When operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, you are putting yourself and others in danger.

Holidays like St Patrick’s day continue to show an increase in impaired driving. Troopers are trained in detecting impaired drivers and if a driver is found to be intoxicated, Troopers will remove that driver from the road and transport them safely to jail.

Driving intoxicated alters your perception and slows down reaction time, making it more difficult to safely avoid motorists, pedestrians, or other objects. It significantly increases the chances of causing a crash that harms yourself or others. Last year in 2022, there were 358 fatal crashes in Colorado, with 92 of them being attributed to impaired driving.

“Impaired driving is a safety risk to all. If you see a family member or friend and know they have consumed drugs or alcohol, say something. You can make a difference,” said Trooper Gabriel Moltrer, Colorado State Patrol public information officer. “In addition, if you are driving on the road, and see actions that may be associated with impaired driving, call *CSP (*277) or 911 and give the location and vehicle information to dispatch.”

Drivers that are cited for driving under the influence can lose their license, for up to a year as well as be sentenced to jail for up to a year. Drivers can also be subject to having an interlock device, and other fines that can cost upwards of $10,000.

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day safely by keeping the party inside and not on the roadways.