Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests for the St. Patrick's Day crackdown broke a record this year with 661 state-wide.

Colorado law enforcement agencies say the arrests were made during the recent five-day crackdown that began at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13 and ended at 3 a.m. on Wednesday March 18.

Colorado State Patrol says seven people were killed in traffic crashes during the five-day crackdown, and four of those deaths were alcohol-related.

The arrests broke a record, with a previous high of 626 in 2004. Last year, 520 people were arrested for DUI over the holiday period.

“It’s clear that we have a consistent problem that is not going away, despite our constant warnings and reminders about the consequences of drinking and driving,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

Of the 661 DUI arrests, the Colorado State Patrol made 183, followed by the Denver Police Department with 76. The Colorado Springs Police Department arrested 43 drivers, Larimer County Sheriff's Office arrested 28, CSP Troop 4-C Glenwood Springs arrested 24, CSP Troop 1-D Adams County arrested 23, Aurora Police Department arrested 22, El Paso County Sheriff's Office arrested 21 and Adams County Sheriff's Office arrested 20 drivers.

“Drinking alcohol can severely impair judgment, which makes it vital for people to plan ahead for a safe ride home before they ever take a sip. This crackdown may be over, but our determination to eliminate drunk drivers from our roadways continues 24-7,” says Wolflinbarger.

“Not only are the families of these victims devastated, but another 661 people face the stigma of committing the crime of DUI, as well as expenses exceeding $10,000, and the loss of their driving freedom. It’s time to put an end to drunk driving for good.”