Despite lockdown, Colorado DUI numbers are up

Much of Colorado is under stay-at-home orders. Bars and restaurants have been closed for the better part of three months and in-person social gatherings have largely been replaced by Zoom and FaceTime happy hours.

With people more house-bound and public establishments shuttered, it would stand to reason that the number of DUIs and DWAIs in Colorado have decreased.

In fact, the opposite is true.

The Colorado State Patrol says that they’ve seen a 32 percent increase in alcohol and marijuana-related crashes in 2020 compared to this time last year. Even worse, deadly DUI crashes have doubled.

The takeaway? Despite lockdown measures, Coloradans are increasingly driving while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. And police are taking notice. 

The increased detection of impaired driving by police makes sense. With less cars on the road than usual, an individual driver’s behavior becomes that much more conspicuous. 

Some also wonder whether more open roads are emboldening drivers to take more chances. Franz Lanzer, Colorado Executive Director of MADD, articulated that sentiment in a recent interview with KCNC 11 in Castle Rock: “There’s not as much traffic, so people are driving a lot faster in general, and again, when you combine drunk or drugged driving with that high rate of speed it’s very dangerous," Lanzer said.

Either way, drivers should know that even in abnormal times, the risk of driving under the influence is as serious as ever. 

The good news? Lyft and Uber are still operating. Your friends are probably itching to get out of the house and offer a ride. Also, early summer weather in Colorado means it’s the perfect time to simply take a walk.

Of course, if accepting a ride from a friend or rideshare service, it’s best practice for both you and the driver to wear masks. Sitting in the backseat on the opposite side of the driver and opening a window are also advised. 

Then again, your best bet is to simply not leave the house while drinking or consuming recreational drugs in the first place.

Mistakes do happen, though. In the regrettable situation where you are arrested for driving under the influence, it is important to contact a Colorado DUI lawyer as soon as possible. By quickly securing legal representation, you’ll decrease your chances of losing your license for an extended length of a time. You’ll also put yourself in the best position to get the most favorable result possible. 

With nearly three decades of experience in the laws surrounding driver’s license and DUI  matters, I’m ready to help you overcome your legal challenges. Reach out today so we can talk about your case, determine if we’re a good fit to work together, and plan the best strategy to move your case forward.