Police to establish DUI checkpoints in Colo. Springs Published Dec. 14, 2007 By 50th Space Wing Public Affairs Office SCHRIEVER AFB, Colo. -- The Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Department of Transportation and Pikes Peak Region DUI Task Force will establish checkpoints and increase their patrols Dec. 14-17 as part of an "Office Party Weekend" drunken driving enforcement campaign. People should plan before they party or expect to face serious consequences, officials CDOT officials said in a press release Dec. 13. "The holiday season is a joyous time of celebration, but unfortunately, some people make bad choices, resulting in a DUI arrest, or worse, killing or injuring themselves or others by driving impaired," said police Col. Mark Trostel, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "It's simple to avoid a tragedy by planning ahead ... so that important decisions don't have to be made after you've already had too much to drink," Colonel Trostel added. Such options include designating a sober driver or using public transportation. Airmen may also call the Drive A Servicemember Home program at 55-NO-DUI. Alcohol-related crashes killed 16 people in Colorado in December 2006. Twelve of the 16 deaths occurred on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. During the 2006 Office Party Weekend DUI enforcement campaign, 475 people were arrested for drunken driving. "Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk," said Colorado Springs Police Department Detective Craig Simpson. "You risk killing or severely injuring yourself or others, not to mention trauma and financial costs of a crash and arrest. A DUI conviction can cost upwards of $10,000, and I'm sure (you have) other plans for your money rather than spending it on a DUI arrest." Vehicles traveling through DUI checkpoints will be stopped, and police officers will visually evaluate drivers for signs of intoxication or drug use. Drivers will not be detained for longer than three minutes unless an officer observes indications of intoxication or drug use. "Don't ruin your holiday with a DUI," Detective Simpson said. "It is humiliating to be handcuffed and hauled off to jail." CDOT offers "plan ahead" tips for people expecting to drink at holiday parties: -- Decide how you will get home before you go to the party. -- Schedule a taxi or driver to take you to the party so that you can leave your car at home and avoid the temptation to drive later. -- Eat enough food and drink plenty of water to slow the rate of alcohol absorption into your body. -- Make sure your friends and co-workers have their own plans, or coordinate plans so everyone gets home safely. -- If you plan on driving home, stop drinking alcohol and hydrate yourself at least 90 minutes before you leave the party. -- Play it safe and don't drive if you've been drinking. For those planning to host holiday parties, keep your guests safe by following these tips: -- Provide plenty of seating for guests. Seat guests often put drinks down, while standing guests hold their drinks, sipping frequently. -- Encourage sensible drinking by offering appetizing alternatives to alcoholic drinks. -- Close your bar 90 minutes before the party is over and serve a dessert with coffee or tea. -- Offer your guests alternative modes of transportation such as taxi cab vouchers, designated drivers or shuttle service. (Information compiled from Colorado Department of Transportation news releases and staff reports.)