Does it seem like more people are getting DUIs to you? As a counselor for both in-class and online alcohol classes I can tell you more people are being mandated to take Colorado DUI classes as a result of DUI behavior. This is true across the nation.
In the hamlet of Pagosa Springs, Colorado more than 50 motorists suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) were caught by local law enforcement officers in 2012 — more than double the number caught in 2011. As reported in www.pagosasun.com.
From 23 DUI arrests in 2011 and nine in 2010, the huge jump to 51 in 2012 is reflective of society as a whole.
Is it because there are more people driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs? Or is it because law enforcement has stepped up its game?
Regardless of the reason behind the surge in Dui arrests, I feel it certainly makes our roads safer. I believe DUI enforcement is a deterrent for Dui behavior. What do you think?
Officials in Pagosa Springs attribute the increase of DUI stops over the past few years to having newer officers who are now more trained, up to speed, and more able to make the stops, as well as to obtaining continued grant funding that helps with the effort. How could officers two years ago not be able to make a DUI stop?
One thing that has made a difference is the grant that provides overtime pay for officers to perform DUI patrols.
Also potentially helping to rejuvenate efforts to catch DUI drivers is new equipment slated to arrive this spring. Have you heard about the new intoxilyzer machine? Not info out on the unit yet, but the cost is more than $10,000.
Overall in Colorado more than 26,000 people are arrested for DUI and over 150 people are killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes each year in Colorado. Colorado also mandates alcohol classes for DUI offenders which I am certain limits recidivism.