CDOT Uses Holiday Cheer to Fight Impaired Driving

CDOT channeled its holiday spirit encouraging motorists to not drive impaired during winter celebrations with a holiday-themed press conference announcing the annual Holiday Parties DUI enforcement period. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies all attended the event that included decorated patrol cars, DUI snowman and snowwoman mugshots, a naughty or nice list with tips for staying safe and DUI-themed cookies.

Over 100 law enforcement agencies participated in the heightened 10-day Holiday Parties enforcement, with the Denver Police Department (68 arrests), Colorado Springs Police Department (87 arrests) and Aurora Police Department (30 arrests) recording the highest arrest totals. CSP arrested an additional 116 DUI offenders across the state.

Traffic Safety Pulse - January 2019
Traffic Safety Pulse - January 2019

Following the Holiday Parties enforcement, CDOT, CSP and law enforcement collaborated again for the New Year’s Eve enforcement period. CDOT raised awareness to safe ride alternatives, including RTD and Coors Light’s complimentary bus and rail service on New Year's Eve as part of the “Freeze the Keys” DUI-prevention effort. 156 law enforcement agencies participated in the enforcement period, with the Denver Police Department (24 arrests), Colorado Springs Police Department (24 arrests) and Arvada Police Department (12 arrests) recording the highest arrest totals. CSP tallied 45 arrests across the state.

Make your New Year’s resolution to never drive impaired and to always speak up if you see someone who shouldn’t be driving. CDOT will continue its The Heat Is On impaired driving efforts in 2019 with 15 heightened enforcement periods.