In response to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol will ramp up DUI enforcement until Aug. 14 to keep people safe from impaired drivers.

In Colorado, motorcyclists make up 3 percent of drivers but account for 18 percent of overall fatalities.

“Colorado recorded an all-time high for motorcycle fatalities in 2016,” said Darrell Lingk, director of CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety director, in a news release. “There were 125 motorcycle fatalities in 2016, which is a 15 percent increase from the number of motorcycle fatalities in 2015.”

Ninety-two law enforcement agencies will participate in the DUI blitz, and drivers should expect additional patrols, DUI checkpoints and extra officers on duty.

First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and steep fines. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.

“Motorcycle use spikes in the summer, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a popular destination for riders and other motor vehicle drivers alike,” said Col. Scott Hernandez, chief of CSP. “Impaired driving is a serious hazard to everyone, and we are prepared to protect all drivers and riders on the road.”

For more information and tips for staying safe on the road, visit www.heatisoncolorado.com.