Drive Smart Colorado

🚌 School Is Back in Session – Slow Down and Stay Alert 🚸

As students across Colorado return to the classroom, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to use extra caution in and around school zones.

Children may be walking, riding bikes, or getting on and off school buses, and they don't always recognize traffic hazards. A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy.

Remember to:
🚸 Slow down and obey all posted school zone speed limits.
🛑 Stop for school buses when required by Colorado law.
📵 Put your phone away and eliminate distractions.
🚶 Watch carefully for children crossing streets, especially near crosswalks and intersections.
🚗 Be patient during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
🎒 Give yourself extra travel time to avoid rushing through school zones.

Every child deserves to arrive at school safely and return home to their family at the end of the day.

Let's work together to make this school year a safe one for every student, parent, crossing guard, bus driver, and member of our community.

Ellicott School District 22
School District 49
Lewis-Palmer School District 38
Hanover School District #28
Widefield School District 3
Academy District 20

Today is the last day of the 2026 Sturgis Rally.

Drivers: Look twice and always check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.

Riders: Ride sober, always wear a helmet, obey speed limits and arrive home safely.

July is winding down, and the first day of school is right around the corner! 🚸

Now is the time to remind yourself to always:
🟡 Slow down.
🟡 Stay off your phone.
🟡 Stay alert for kids.

Let's keep our kids SAFE this year. ❤️

Imagine spending a weekend with people who truly understand your loss.

Live Forward!® Pikes Peak Weekend is a gathering for families who have lost a loved one in a traffic crash. Hosted by KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25®, it's a time to remember, connect, encourage one another, and find hope alongside others walking a similar path.

Many families travel hundreds—even thousands—of miles to attend. That's why we're holding our Pampered Chef Fundraiser. 40% of every purchase helps cover the costs of bringing these families together for this meaningful weekend of healing and remembrance.

Shop with purpose. Every order makes a difference.

🛒 Shop here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2000103890737322

Someone cut you off. Traffic is crawling. You're running late.

Take a breath—not a risk.

Driving angry can lead to poor decisions, aggressive behavior, and preventable crashes. Stay focused on getting there safely.

❤️ Calm minds make safer drivers.

🔥🚓 Pikes Peak Region Law Enforcement Launches ‘The Heat Is On’ DUI Enforcement This Weekend🔥🚓

Law enforcement agencies across the Pikes Peak region, including the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, will be taking part in a large-scale DUI enforcement operation this weekend as part of Colorado’s “The Heat Is On” campaign.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols throughout the weekend, with deputies focusing on identifying and removing impaired drivers from area roadways. The agency is joining local and state law enforcement partners in an effort to reduce impaired driving and prevent serious and fatal crashes.

“My Office is committed to reducing the number of victims in our community, and one of the ways we accomplish this is by aggressively enforcing impaired driving laws,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I want to commend my deputies for their dedication to this important mission and for their commitment to keeping our roads safe. If you’re celebrating this weekend, please plan ahead. Arrange for a safe and sober ride home, whether with a designated driver, a rideshare service, public transportation, or a trusted friend or family member. One good decision can save a life.”

The high-visibility enforcement campaign is funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Highway Safety Office and uses a combination of saturation patrols and additional officers dedicated to impaired driving enforcement.

According to CDOT, one in every three fatal traffic crashes in Colorado involves an impaired driver. Officials say alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, reduce peripheral vision, and impair judgment, making it dangerous to get behind the wheel.

“The Heat Is On” campaign runs year-round with 16 high-visibility enforcement periods centered around holidays and major public events. In addition to enforcement, the campaign supports public education and officer training programs, including Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers the safest choice is simple: Never drive under the influence.

Colorado Springs Police Department
Colorado State Patrol
Cripple Creek Police Department
Monument Police Department
Colorado Department of Transportation
Drive Smart Colorado
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Declare your Independence from drunk driving this July Fourth:
🔴 Call a taxi
⚪ Have a sober friend drive you home
🔵 Schedule a rideshare

SAFETY TIP: Before getting in a rideshare, verify the license plate and driver's photo in the app and have the driver say your name rather than asking if the car is for you.

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Community Education focusing on seat belts, impairment free, and educating on e-bikes and e motos. Safety on our roadways this summer for all road users 🚗🚴🏍️🚶🏼‍♀️

Way to go Colorado Schools💚🦺🚦