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Last Year's Driving High Data Released

LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - Colorado officials kept a close eye on impaired driving in 2014 with the legalization of marijuana sales.

The Colorado State Patrol documented last year's marijuana-related citations, and plans to continue collecting data in 2015.

2014 data includes:

-5,546 citations issued for DUI/DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) driving actions.

-354 citations issued for DUID driving actions where marijuana was the only indicator.

-674 citations issued for DUI/DUID driving actions were marijuana was one of the indicators.

-Citations related to marijuana throughout the year averaged at 12.2% of the total DUI/DUID citations given out.

-January, April, and December were the three months with the highest number of citations involving marijuana.

-Of all the DUI/DUID citations issued in 2014, 75% were the result of proactive motorist calls.

"Clearly this arrest data underscores the need for CDOT's Drive High, Get a DUI campaign in 2015," said Amy Ford, Colorado Department of Transportation spokesperson.

A ​CDOT study last year found that 43% of marijuana consumers in Colorado said it was okay to drive high.  Even after an education campaign by Colorado State Patrol, a subsequent CDOT study showed that 57% of recreational marijuana users ​drove within 2 hours of consuming it, and 21% still didn't know you can get a DUI.

"We won't be satisfied until everyone in Colorado takes driving high seriously, so the need for awareness and education is paramount," said Ford.

The CSP has over 540 Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) trained troopers and 61 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE).

When asked about the 2014 data Colonel Hernandez said, "The efforts made in 2014 highlight the Colorado State Patrol's commitment to the citizens of Colorado to make the safe travel along all roads a priority," efforts which he is proud of and plans to continue in 2015.

CSP will also determine ways to better adapt to the rapidly changing attitude towards impaired driving in Colorado.

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