DOUGLAS County, Co. (KDVR) — A Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputy's quick reflexes are being credited with helping them avoid a head-on crash with another motorist.
This incident took place during a time of year when the number of people driving under the influence typically rises dramatically. Dashboard camera video shows the Douglas County deputy driving down a road in Castle Pines east of Interstate 25 last week.
‘We want to feel safe’: Aurora jewelry store break-in caught on cameraA spokesperson for the agency said that the deputy saw the vehicle coming toward them, head-on as it was trying to illegally pass another vehicle. In the video, the deputy turns the cruiser around to stop the driver. After that, the deputy arrested the other driver for DUI and possession of a controlled substance, according to the department's spokesperson.
Like in many places, driving while under the influence is a big problem in Douglas County.
"It's huge. In Douglas County we are going to arrest more people for driving under the influence in 2024 than we have ever arrested before and there's just no reason for it," Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said.
Sheriff Weekly told FOX31 that he added traffic officers and is also increasing the number of patrols this holiday season to look for DUI drivers. FOX31 learned that one deputy alone has made more than 1,000 DUI arrests.
Sheriff Weekly described the deputy as a "DUI Machine" who has a special knack for getting impaired drivers off the street.
Local law enforcement increase staffing for holiday drunk driving incidents"In this day and age, there is no reason for people to be driving intoxicated. One bad decision can cost people's lives. It could cost you your life," Weekly said.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving is asking drivers to plan before going to a holiday party. Planning could mean the difference between life and death, the organization said.
"They forget to make that safe ride home. That safe ride means a sober driver. That's something you plan before you leave for the party. That you have planned to get a ride share. You plan to use alternative modes of transportation such as RTD or public transportation," MADD Colorado State Executive Director Rebecca Green said.
Despite warnings, many drivers still drive impaired. The organization is asking people to take a moment to consider the consequences.
"I would say there will be 190 new cases of families this year that will have an empty seat at their table because of impaired driving. They lost someone this year for something that is 100% preventable," Green said.
Madd has started a program with a ride-share company that offers a discount designed to encourage people to not drive under the influence. MADD also has partnerships with a ride-share program this holiday season to provide $7 ride credits with Uber, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol.
Reliable THC breathalyzer could be possible thanks to CU Boulder researchValid statewide, ride credits can be redeemed using code SAFECO24 in the Uber app starting Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2025, while supplies last.
Additionally, MADD National has partnered with Uber to raise funds for victim services during Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Uber will match donations to MADD made in the Uber app up to $250,000 now through the end of the year.
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