Colorado has reported 184 deaths linked to impaired driving so far this year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The announcement comes as law enforcement agencies across the state prepare for increased DUI enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
From November 20 to December 3, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and 68 local law enforcement agencies in “The Heat Is On” Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement campaign. Drivers can expect saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and more officers dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
To help reduce impairment-related crashes during Thanksgiving, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount on rides using Uber Voucher code GOBBLECO25 within the Denver metro area from November 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.”
State data shows that one in three traffic deaths in Colorado involves an impaired driver. During last year’s November-December period, there were 23 fatalities attributed to impaired driving in the state. Last Thanksgiving’s DUI enforcement resulted in 423 arrests for driving under the influence—a nearly 20% increase compared with 2023.
Even if a driver’s blood alcohol content is below 0.05%, they may still be arrested if officers observe signs of impairment. CDOT emphasizes that having a BAC of zero is the only sure way to ensure safe driving.
“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.”
During Halloween Weekend’s DUI enforcement earlier this year, law enforcement agencies made 190 arrests statewide; Fort Collins Police Department, Greeley Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office each reported eleven arrests while Colorado State Patrol had fifty-eight.
After Thanksgiving Weekend, another high-visibility DUI enforcement period is scheduled from December 11 through December 25 as part of “The Heat Is On” campaign which runs throughout the year with fifteen specific periods focused on holidays and large events. More information about these efforts is available at https://www.heatisoncolorado.com/. Details about state DUI laws can be found at https://noduicolorado.org/, while broader road safety resources are offered at https://www.codot.gov/safety.
CDOT notes that Expressed Consent laws require drivers arrested for DUI to submit to breath or blood tests; refusal may lead to increased penalties. More information about these rules is provided at https://www.codot.gov/choosetotest.
To educate motorists about what happens after a DUI arrest, CDOT has launched a video series titled “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest” featuring interviews with law enforcement officials and victims’ advocates; it is available on YouTube.
