Principle Attorney
Labor Day weekend means cookouts, mountain drives, and one last summer getaway before fall. But it’s also one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road in Colorado. With more vehicles out, alcohol-fueled celebrations, and late-night returns, the risk of encountering a drunk driver rises sharply.
Across Denver, Boulder, and along highways like I-25 and I-70, law enforcement ramps up patrols and checkpoints. It’s a weekend where one bad decision behind the wheel can lead to serious injuries, or worse.
Why Labor Day Weekend Is Especially Risky
Holidays often bring heavier traffic, but Labor Day stands out as one of the most dangerous weekends on Colorado roads. Between 2019 and 2021, the Colorado State Patrol reported more injury and fatal crashes caused by intoxicated drivers during Labor Day than any other holiday. The mix of long-distance travel, mountain traffic, and end-of-summer celebrations creates a high-risk environment. Many people use the weekend for one last trip or gathering before school and work routines resume, and alcohol is often part of the plan.
This weekend also marks the close of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, a period known for elevated crash rates across the state. To counter the danger, the Colorado Department of Transportation ramps up DUI enforcement through its “The Heat Is On” campaign, increasing checkpoints and saturation patrols. At higher altitudes, alcohol can affect the body more quickly, which means even moderate drinking can impair judgment more than drivers might expect.
The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. Even if someone feels “fine,” alcohol impairs reaction time, focus, and coordination. That can be the difference between stopping at a red light and plowing through it.
Drunk driving leads to:
- Head-on collisions from lane departures
- Rear-end crashes at traffic lights
- Pedestrian injuries in neighborhoods or city crosswalks
In Colorado, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08%, but a driver can still be charged if their driving is noticeably impaired at a lower level. Convictions come with harsh penalties, including license suspension, fines, and required ignition interlock devices. For the victims of these crashes, the consequences are often life-altering.
How to Recognize a Drunk Driver in Colorado
Drunk drivers don’t always swerve wildly down the road. Sometimes, the signs are subtle but still dangerous. You might notice:
- Driving significantly below the speed limit
- Frequent and unnecessary braking
- Straddling lane markers or drifting side to side
- Delayed responses to traffic signals
- Sudden stops or rapid acceleration for no clear reason
If you suspect someone is impaired behind the wheel, don’t try to engage or follow them. Pull over safely and call *CSP (*277), Colorado’s hotline to report aggressive or impaired drivers. Try to provide the vehicle’s description, direction of travel, and license plate number if you can.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe Over Labor Day
Everyone plays a role in making the roads safer during busy holiday weekends. A few proactive choices can reduce your chances of being involved in a serious crash:
- Use a designated driver if you’re going out with friends.
- Consider public transportation or rideshare apps when available, especially in Denver and surrounding cities.
- Avoid peak driving hours, such as late evenings or the Monday afternoon rush home.
- If you’re hosting, offer alcohol-free drinks and stop serving alcohol well before guests leave.
- Stay alert, even during short drives in your neighborhood.
Sometimes, no amount of preparation can prevent someone else’s reckless behavior. But reducing your own risk is a good place to start.
If You’re Hurt by a Drunk Driver, You Have Options
When someone chooses to drive drunk and causes a crash, they should be held accountable. Victims in Colorado may be entitled to financial compensation that helps cover:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy or long-term care
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain and emotional suffering
Insurance companies often try to downplay the seriousness of a drunk driving crash or offer a quick settlement. Having a legal advocate means you don’t have to face that pressure alone. An attorney can gather evidence, calculate damages, and help make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
Stay Smart and Protect Yourself
Labor Day should be a time to enjoy the season’s end, not a weekend marked by tragedy. Avoiding drunk driving, recognizing risky behavior on the road, and planning ahead can go a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe.
If someone else’s actions caused harm, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Contact The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC, and let us help you take the next step forward.