Colorado has reported 184 deaths related to impaired driving so far this year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, state and local agencies are increasing efforts to prevent further incidents.
From November 20 through December 3, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and 68 local law enforcement agencies during The Heat Is On Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement period. Drivers can expect saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional officers on duty focused on arresting impaired drivers.
To help reduce impairment-related crashes during Thanksgiving, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount with the Uber Voucher code GOBBLECO25 for rides in 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.”
Statistics show that one-third of traffic fatalities in Colorado involve an impaired driver. Between November and December last year, there were 23 deaths attributed to impaired driving in the state. During last year’s Thanksgiving DUI enforcement period alone, police arrested 423 drivers for driving under the influence—a nearly 20% increase compared to 2023 figures.
CDOT emphasizes that even if a driver’s blood alcohol content is below 0.05%, they can still be arrested for DUI if officers observe signs of impairment. The agency states that having a BAC of zero is the only 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 period earlier this year, authorities made 190 arrests across 71 law enforcement agencies statewide; Fort Collins Police Department, Greeley Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office each recorded eleven arrests while Colorado State Patrol reported fifty-eight arrests.
The Heat Is On campaign operates throughout the year with fifteen high-visibility enforcement periods focused around national holidays and major events. These periods often include checkpoints and increased patrols aimed at catching impaired drivers. 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 listed at https://www.codot.gov/safety.
CDOT also highlights that refusal to take a breath or blood test after being arrested for DUI may result in harsher penalties under Expressed Consent laws; more details are available at https://www.codot.gov/choosetotest.
To inform motorists about what happens after a DUI arrest, CDOT has released a video series called “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest” featuring interviews with law enforcement officials and victims’ advocates; it is accessible via YouTube.
