Colorado stands out for one very sad statistic.

We rank among the worst in the nation when it comes to drunk driving fatalities.

More than one-fifth of fatal crashes in the state involve drugged or drunk drivers — the fourth-highest rate in the United States.

With 21.5% of deadly crashes involving an intoxicated driver, Colorado’s rate is nearly double the national average of 11.8%.

Using the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a Bader Scott Injury Lawyers study analyzed the US states with the highest rates of drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication involved in deadly crashes.

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Here’s how the ranking breaks down by the percentage of drivers under the influence in fatal crashes:

1 –  Montana, 32.48%

2 – Vermont, 26.47%

3 – Idaho, 23.77%

4 – Colorado, 21.48%

5 – Delaware, 19.73%

6 – Nevada, 18.74%

7 – Connecticut, 18.01%

8 – Wyoming, 17.28%

9 – California, 16.35%

10 – New Hampshire, 16.25%

Colorado lost 227 lives because of impaired driving last year, accounting for nearly 32% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The trend peaked at 286 in 2022.

Do Colorado DUI laws make a difference?

Colorado’s DUI laws are relatively strict compared to other states. And Colorado is cracking down on drunken driving even more, as we reported earlier this year.

Colorado’s BAC limit — 0.08% — is in line with other state standards. But we have an additional level of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) that many states don’t have. Driving with a BAC of 0.05% to 0.079%  can incur this charge.

RELATED: Is Drinking Coffee While Driving the New DUI?

And while first-time offender penalties are comparable to those in other states, repeat DUI offenders face harsher penalties, including jail and a felony for a fourth DUI.

Colorado also requires ignition interlock devices for repeated drunken driving offenses and even for the first offense at times. A nine-month license suspension, too, can be a part of a first-time infraction.

How much does a DUI cost in Colorado?

Fines, too, are considered to be a deterrent to driving under the influence. But do you know how much a DUI could cost?

According to NoDUIColorado.org, the cost of a first-time DUI offense averages $13,530 and takes a minimum of 170 hours to deal with the consequences. Additional costs could include:

• Increased auto insurance: $3,600
• Ignition interlock service: $2,172
• Alcohol/drug treatment and education: $1,000
• Defense attorney: $3,650
• Arrest, court and legal fees: $2,300
• Department of Revenue and DMV fees: $773

Colorado DUI patrols and checkpoints Heat Up for fall

Colorado State Patrol remains vigilant in raising awareness about drunken driving by operating regular DUI enforcement campaigns. For fall 2024, the agency and others around the state are running “The Heat Is On Fall Festivals” through Oct. 23.

CSP and local agencies will run saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and DUI enforcement campaigns with additional officers on the streets.