For Immediate Release
November 2, 2011
Contact: Officer Yvonne Ramirez
Avon Police Department
970-748-4040
yramirez@avon.org
Gore Range DUI Task-Force Halloween Results
Avon, CO—Avon along with state and local law enforcement agencies in Eagle County participate in the multi-agency Gore Range DUI Task-Force. The participating agencies are the Avon, Vail, Eagle and Minturn Police Departments, Colorado State Patrol, and the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office. The strong partnership focuses on saturation patrol points throughout Eagle County to deter impaired driving. The Task-Force was in operation for fall festivals and the Halloween weekend. Below are the results from the most recent task force operations.
During October crackdown period, the Gore Range DUI Task-Force made 2119 traffic stops, resulting in 422 citations, 36 DUI arrests, 9 illegal possession of alcohol by a minor, and 281 arrests for other reasons.
Driving under the influence includes alcohol and drug impairment. To be charged with a DUI as a juvenile it only takes an alcohol reading of a 0.02. It takes a 0.08 reading for an adult to be charged with a DUI and a 0.05 for a DWAI. Driving under the influence of illegal or prescription medications is a serious problem as well. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recently released information that indicated that one in three fatally injured drivers tested positive for drugs. It is the goal of local law enforcement personnel to ensure safer roadways through public awareness, education, and utilization of saturated patrols.
The Gore Range DUI Task-Force reminds everyone to buckle-up; it only takes three seconds. Taking the time to do so can save your life as approximately 80 percent of traffic fatalities occur within 25 miles of home. If involved in collision, wearing a seat belt will significantly increase your chances of survival.
The Gore Range DUI Task-Force also encourages people to designate a sober driver before beginning drinking. Please buckle-up, drive safe, and if you choose to drink, don’t drive.
Funding for the Task-Force has been provided through a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Additional funding and support has been provided by the Eagle River Youth Coalition.
For more information on the Gore Range DUI Task-Force, please contact Avon Police Officer Yvonne Ramirez at 970-748-4040.