Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 8, 2011

Contact: Officer Yvonne Ramirez
Avon Police Department
970-748-4040
yramirez@avon.org

Gore Range DUI Task-Force Results from Memorial Day and Prom Weekend Crack Down

Avon, CO—State and local law enforcement agencies in Eagle County continue to 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. This strong partnership focuses on saturation patrol points throughout Eagle County to deter impaired driving. The Task-Force was in operation on the Prom weekends for Eagle Valley High School on April 30, 2011, Vail Christian School on May 7, 2011, and Battle Mountain High School on May 21, 2011. In addition, the Task-Force completed a saturation patrol throughout Eagle County over the Memorial Day weekend.

During the crackdown during the three Prom weekends, the Gore Range DUI Task-Force made 306 traffic stops, resulting in 58 citations, 11 DUI arrests and 33 arrests for other reasons.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Task-Force completed 466 traffic stops, resulting in 82 citations, 19 DUI arrests and 39 arrests for other reasons. The Gore Range DUI Task-Force extends their appreciation to those drivers who chose to drive responsibly!

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. Where as an adult is a 0.08 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.

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