COVID-19 has affected all areas of our society. As the global pandemic continues without any end in sight, the landscape of most people’s economic and personal lives has changed drastically. Many people work from home now and have limited their social activities. As a result, there are simply fewer drivers on the roadway. However, in an interesting and unexpected turn of events, the number of Colorado arrests and charges of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol has actually increased despite the pandemic. This surprising and shocking statistic has some actual understandable reasons.

New Normal

Everyone has now heard the phrase, “new normal.” As our society in the United States now routinely works from home, have children doing virtual learning, and have the inability to go out to bars and restaurants, the traffic on the roadways throughout the country, and in Colorado is noticeably lower.

Increased Driving While Intoxicated

While there may be less traffic on the road, this does not mean that the roads are any safer in the State of Colorado. Surprisingly, according to the Colorado State Patrol, the number of impairment-related deaths in the first part of 2020 was actually double that for the same period in 2019.

Why DUI Numbers Increased in the State of Colorado

The numbers truly are shocking. A doubled increase in the number of fatalities during a global pandemic when the traffic is lighter seems almost incomprehensible. However, there are certain factors that may play into the increase in DUIs.

  • False Sense of Security. Colorado Executive Director of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Fran Lanzer believes that the increase in DUIs is due to the fact that drivers are speeding due to the lack of traffic. Additionally, with fewer drivers on the road, drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol simply feel freer to drive recklessly.
  • Decreased Ridesharing. With fewer bars and restaurants open, the availability of ride-sharing options may have also decreased. Therefore, those people who would have potentially used an Uber or other ridesharing companies, may think (either correctly or incorrectly) that there were no other options available to them due to decreased overall traffic and need for ridesharing cars.
  • Fewer Designated Drivers. Because people may meet their friends out at a home or establishment instead of driving together due to distancing restrictions, there are simply fewer options for designated drivers, meaning that every person who attends a social gathering that includes alcohol will have to drive themselves home.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

The global pandemic has not changed the possibility of arrest and conviction of a DUI in the State of Colorado. Our offices are open even through this global pandemic and our experienced attorneys are still available to assist you if you received a DUI charge. If you are facing a DUI charge in Colorado, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Moorhead Law Group at 303-447-1400 or online today to discuss your legal options and your next steps.