STATEWIDE — It’s a new year, a new decade, and a new set of The Heat Is On DUI enforcement periods for Colorado impaired drivers.

In coordination with Colorado State Patrol and statewide law agencies, the Colorado Department of Transportation will boost DUI enforcement with increased officers on duty to crack down on impaired drivers Jan. 17-27.

The Winter Blitz enforcement period is the first of 16 The Heat Is On enforcement periods held in Colorado throughout the year.

Officers arrested 612 impaired drivers during the Winter Blitz enforcement last year.

“DUI crashes continue to be a leading cause of fatalities on roadways,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “Always plan a sober ride home. There are many alternatives options to get you home and no excuse not to use them.”

Even after only one or two drinks, some people may be close to or exceed Colorado’s DUI and DWAI limits.

Colorado’s legal limits are .05% blood-alcohol content for DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) and .08% BAC for DUI. Even if one’s BAC is less than .05%, one can still be arrested if an officer notices signs of impairment.

The only absolute way to ensure one is safe to drive is to have a BAC of zero.

When considering fines, legal fees and increased insurance costs, a DUI can add up to more than $13,500.

“We strive to keep impaired drivers off Colorado roadways throughout the year,” said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. “These enforcement periods are meant to deter drivers from making the poor decision to drive impaired. Sadly, the data shows thousands of people still choose to drive impaired.”

CDOT’s Winter Blitz enforcement period and DUI-prevention campaign support CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.