Colorado is on par with the top states in the United States when it comes to enacting traffic safety laws that aim to stop drunk driving and to discourage motorists from sending text messages while driving, according to a January 2012 report.

Colorado has enacted laws that ban open alcoholic containers, mandate ignition interlock devices for drivers with DUI convictions, require blood alcohol tests for both killed and surviving drivers in a crash and strictly enforces laws to protect children from driving with someone who has been drinking, according to the report.

The 2012 version of the Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws, prepared by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, says that Colorado is in the top tier of states that have put into effect all four recommended safety requirements that address impaired driving.

Colorado is just one of 12 states to meet all benchmarks. Nationwide, the report states, 31 percent of all fatal crashes in 2010 were the result of alcohol, resulting in 10,228 deaths.

But what this also means for Colorado drivers is that they can expect police and law enforcement to crack down hard against people who are suspected of driving drunk. It's important to remember that drivers do not have to submit to blood or breath testing without a warrant.

Colorado residents who have also been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving should consult with an attorney before they admit to anything. Drunk driving cases can be dismissed because testing equipment was malfunctioning or police did not follow proper procedure during a stop.

Source: "9th Annual Roadmap to State Highway Safety Laws," Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Jan. 2012