Cheers to sober drivers: New Year’s Eve DUI enforcement begins Friday

December 26, 2019 - Statewide Traffic Safety - Alternative transportation options available statewide for New Year’s celebrations

For many, a new year means resolutions, fresh starts and positive changes. For those who got a DUI after celebrating last year, it’s a reminder never to drive impaired. From Dec. 27 to Jan. 2, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies will increase statewide DUI enforcement in an effort to remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads and keep the traveling public safe as our new year begins. Last year, 114 agencies arrested 334 impaired drivers during this enforcement period.

“A DUI is a sure way to ruin the new year’s celebration fun, but it may ruin more than just the party,” Says Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. “Driving impaired effects more than just the driver, it puts everyone on the road at risk. As the enforcement period continues, we want to see Coloradans make the right decision during their New Year’s Eve festivities by finding a sober ride home.”

If you are planning a night out on the town to ring in the new year, remember the following tips:

  • Take advantage of the options for discounted, free and sober rides home.
  • Don’t be afraid to take someone’s car keys if they are impaired.
  • Do not get into a vehicle with someone who is impaired. Encourage them to call a sober ride.
  • Plan for a sober ride home before going out.
  • Consume responsibly for a fun but safe New Year’s Eve celebration.

In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft, several promotions and alternative transportation options will be available to get New Year’s partygoers home safely.

  • Coors Light is partnering with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Coors Distributing Company for the 12th consecutive year to encourage metropolitan Denver residents and visitors to celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly. Coors Light Free Rides® will be available on all RTD bus and rail routes, as well as Access-a-Ride and SkyRide services, starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 through the end of the Jan. 1 service day.
  • The Sawaya Law Firm’s Free Cab Ride Program offers a ride from one location to the passenger’s home in the Denver metro area. The passenger can call a cab or other ride-hailing service and send the receipt to The Sawaya Law Firm for reimbursement. For more information, visit sawayalaw.com/resources/free-cab-ride-program.
  • AAA Colorado offers a list of statewide alternative transportation options on its website. To access the list, visit colorado.aaa.com/automotive/safe-ride-information.

 

ABOUT THE HEAT IS ON

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

 

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.