Colorado reports 184 impaired-driving deaths this year as Thanksgiving DUI crackdown begins
News Release
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Statewide — Avoid a DUI or crash this Thanksgiving by making sure a sober ride home is part of your menu. From Nov. 20 to Dec. 3, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol and 68 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe.
To curb impairment-related crashes on Colorado roadways this Thanksgiving, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will offer an $8 discount using Uber Voucher code GOBBLECO25 in the app. The discount is valid for one-time use only within the Denver metro area from Nov. 26 to 30.
“As the holiday season begins, we know that impaired drivers will be a threat on Colorado roads,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “So far this year, 184 people have died on Colorado roads due to impaired drivers. That’s simply unacceptable. Protect your loved ones this holiday season and hold them accountable — never let a friend or family member drive drunk.”
In Colorado, 1 in 3 traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. From November through December of last year, 23 people died on Colorado roads because of impaired drivers. Additionally, during last year’s Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement period, 423 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, nearly a 20% increase from 2023. Even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than 0.05%, you can still be arrested for a DUI if an officer observes signs of impairment. The only absolute way to ensure you are safe to drive is to have a BAC of zero, CDOT says.
“Sadly, major holidays can be an especially dangerous time on our roadways. This Thanksgiving, let’s protect each other by driving safely and avoiding impaired and distracted driving,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “If holiday festivities compromise your safety when getting behind the wheel, don’t do it. Don’t let an unsafe choice turn a joyous day into a tragedy.”
Roadway safety is a shared responsibility. If you plan to consume alcohol and/or cannabis during a Thanksgiving gathering, stay safe and avoid a DUI by following these tips:
- Plan a sober ride home before heading out, such as a designated driver, ride-share service or public transportation
- If you have a designated driver, ensure they are truly sober before entering their vehicle
- If you’re not drinking, offer safe rides to those who may not have prepared a sober ride home
- If you’re ever unsure whether you are safe to drive, always err on the side of caution and find a sober ride home
- Take advantage of ride-share credits and sober ride programs. This Thanksgiving, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with ride-share credits. This offer is valid for a one-way ride to your home and may be redeemed one time for the entire duration of the program (Nov. 26 and 27). Anyone age 21 or older who resides in Colorado with a valid ID may participate in the program. Visit www.wilhitelawfirm.com/rideshare-program for more information.
During the recent Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period, 190 drivers were arrested across 71 participating law enforcement agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Fort Collins Police Department (11), Greeley Police Department (11) and Larimer County Sheriff's Office (11). Colorado State Patrol reported 58 arrests. Following Thanksgiving Weekend, the next DUI enforcement period will be Holiday Parties from Dec. 11 to Dec. 25.
About The Heat Is On
The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 15 specific high-visibility impaired-driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods may include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers. For more details about the campaign, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com. Information about Colorado’s DUI laws can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe at codot.gov/safety.
Colorado’s Expressed Consent Law
Expressed Consent is one of the most misunderstood laws in the state. Drivers should know that refusal to provide a breath or blood test once arrested for a DUI may come with increased consequences. Learn more at codot.gov/choosetotest.
The Heat Is On Video Content
To give motorists a firsthand look at the DUI process, CDOT launched a video series featuring interviews with Colorado law enforcement, local officials, victims of impaired driving, road safety advocates and more. “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest” can be viewed on YouTube here. CDOT also has DUI checkpoint footage* available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. To download the footage, email [email protected].
*The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.
Colorado Fatal Crash Data Dashboard
Colorado’s Fatal Crash Data dashboard represents the official and most current number of vehicle occupants or non-motorists killed in crashes involving a motor vehicle along Colorado public roadways. The graph shows Colorado traffic fatalities year over year and can be filtered by categories such as month, county, age and traffic unit type. Access the Fatal Crash Data dashboard here.
Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.
