(COLORADO) — Beginning Friday, Aug. 15, through the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 16, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) DUI Task Force teams will be increasing patrols in El Paso and Garfield counties.

“These operations are focused on deterring impaired driving throughout these counties’ major traffic arteries and feeder roads,” wrote CSP. “While impaired driving will be the focus, any dangerous driving behavior observed or reported will be addressed.”

Troopers said that in 2024, impaired driving was cited as the top factor in fatal crashes investigated by CSP, and according to statewide statistics, one out of every three fatal crashes in Colorado involves an impaired driver. “El Paso County was the top county for DUI arrests by Colorado State Troopers in 2024,” CSP noted.

Troopers remind the community to plan for a sober ride and ask the public to report any suspected impaired drivers.

“The driver should be avoided by getting out of the way,” CSP warned. “Then, contact the Colorado State Patrol after you pull over by calling CSP (277), 9-1-1, or 970-249-4392.”

CSP said if a community member calls to report a suspected impaired driver, they should be prepared to provide the following information:

Vehicle description

License plate number

Location and direction of travel

Driver description

Driving behavior being demonstrated

Troopers said the following agencies are taking part in this weekend’s enforcement: CSP Pikes Peak DUI Team, Colorado State Patrol – Troop 2B Colorado Springs, and Colorado State Patrol – Troop 1E.