Colorado Boosts DUI Patrols for St. Patrick's Day

State Patrol warns of increased enforcement and crash risks during holiday celebrations

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Colorado State Patrol is partnering with several counties to increase DUI enforcement patrols over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. In 2025, troopers arrested 45 impaired drivers and responded to 17 crashes during the holiday celebrations. So far in 2026, there have been 429 DUI arrests and 62 crashes, including one fatal incident and 18 serious injuries. Troopers are urging the public to report suspected drunk drivers by calling *277 or 911.

Why it matters

Drunk driving crashes are preventable tragedies that can have devastating consequences. Increased enforcement during holidays like St. Patrick's Day aims to deter impaired driving and keep Colorado's roads safe.

The details

Colorado State Patrol will be conducting DUI patrols in partnership with Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin, and Douglas counties over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. In 2025, troopers arrested 45 impaired drivers and responded to 17 crashes during the holiday celebrations. So far in 2026, there have been 429 DUI arrests and 62 crashes, including one fatal incident and 18 serious injuries.

  • In 2025, troopers arrested 45 impaired drivers and responded to 17 crashes during St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
  • Between January 1 and March 10, 2026, there have been 429 DUI arrests and 62 crashes in Colorado.

The players

Colorado State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Colorado's highways and enforcing traffic laws.

Trooper Gabriel Moltrer

A Colorado State Patrol trooper who is reminding the public about the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of reporting suspected impaired drivers.

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What they’re saying

“It is very life-threatening. By choosing to get behind the wheel after you have been out, that can lead to a crash, and those crashes often can result in serious injuries and even death.”

— Trooper Gabriel Moltrer, Colorado State Patrol (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Colorado State Patrol will continue their increased DUI enforcement patrols throughout the St. Patrick's Day weekend to help keep the roads safe.

The takeaway

Drunk driving is a serious and preventable issue that can have devastating consequences. The public can help by reporting suspected impaired drivers to the authorities, and by making responsible choices to not drive after consuming alcohol.