More than 500 drivers were arrested in a DUI crackdown across Colorado around Halloween, with 72 arrests in Denver.

Various police departments, sheriff’s offices and the Colorado State Patrol participated in the annual Halloween “Heat Is On” enforcement, according to a Colorado Department of Transportation media release.

CDOT reports that 564 drivers suspected of DUI’s were arrested in Colorado starting at 6 p.m. Friday Oct. 26 through 3 a.m. Thursday Nov. 1.

After Denver, the top arrest totals were: Colorado Springs, 46; Aurora, 42; Adams County, 33; and Fort Collins, 29.

“Despite giving motorists fair warning, arrests have increased compared to last year’s enforcement period at this same time,” said CDOT transportation safety director Darrell Lingk

. “Officers will continue to be on the lookout for impaired drivers, especially during the holiday season.”

October is a deadly month on Colorado roadways.

This year there were 38 October crashes resulting in 43 fatalities; 12 were alcohol or drug related. During the Halloween heat enforcement period, there were three suspected alcohol or drug related crashes and three fatalities, including in Lone Tree and Arvada.

In Lone Tree a 20-year-old woman was arrested as a suspect in the crash after she allegedly fled the scene on foot.

In Arvada the suspect, also a 20-year-old woman, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of vehicular homicide. She is suspected of drinking and driving, Arvada police said.

Last year, 10 deaths occurred in alcohol-related crashes during the month of October.

In 2010, 17 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, with one of those deaths occurring over Halloween weekend.

October of 2009, 26 people died in DUI related crashes.

The next Heat Is On crackdown occurs during Thanksgiving week from November 20 through November 26.

“It is very discouraging that 564 motorists in Colorado chose to drive impaired when celebrating with alcohol,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the state patrol. “It’s not a complicated message: ‘Don’t drink and drive.’ ”

Revelers should always designate a sober driver, Wolfinbarger said.

For more information about the Heat Is On, the latest enforcement plans, and arrest results visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.