Today, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the Pikes Peak region to carry out a coordinated two-phase operation. The focus of the operation will be on identifying and addressing distracted speeding drivers in the afternoon and impaired drivers in the evening.
El Paso County has consistently ranked number one in the state in traffic fatalities for years.
Throughout 2023, these law enforcement agencies have collaborated to educate our community about safe driving and keeping citizens safe by enforcing traffic laws across the Pikes Peak region.
Thanks to additional funding from the 2023 traffic safety grant, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and our partners have strategically held many traffic and DUI enforcement surges throughout the year.
As of last week, 4,758 tickets were written, and 301 DUI/DUID arrests have been made in El Paso County. Deputies have completed 1,867 hours, averaging 1.93 citations per hour worked. What is unable to be measured is the countless number of drivers who were reminded to slow down by the visibility of deputies already engaged in enforcement activities with another motorist.
“Speeding, driving recklessly, is not a victimless crime,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Speeding is a leading contributor to collisions and a major factor in traffic deaths and injuries. Ultimately, our goal is to live and work in a community where our roads, regardless of location in El Paso County, are safe for everyone. Engaging in reckless or impaired driving can have serious repercussions, both in terms of harm caused and financial consequences. Slow down, or we will pull you over.”
Across the United States, speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, killing 12,330, or an average of over 33 people per day. The total number of fatal motor-vehicle crashes attributable to speeding in the United States was 11,057.
“Traditionally, folks leave work or school early in the afternoon and rush home, to the grocery store, or even the airport,” said Traffic Unit Sergeant Jason Haag with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. “The night before Thanksgiving, people tend to go to the bars with friends and family. We implore you to have a designated sober driver or use a ride service. There is nothing worth risking your life or the lives of others. Plan and have a safe, sober way to get home.”
Law Enforcement agencies participating in Blackout Wednesday for El Paso County include the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Police Department, Fountain Police Department, Monument Police Department, Palmer Lake Police Department, Calhan Police Department, and the Manitou Springs Police Department.