Impaired driving-related fatalities in Colorado have dropped by 22% compared to the same period in 2022, according to new data released by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The decline comes after a record high in impaired driving deaths two years ago. As holiday celebrations increase travel and risk on the roads, CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are urging motorists to plan for a sober ride home.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, stated: “Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season — driving impaired is a conscious decision that can cost lives. If you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis, do not get behind the wheel. Instead, use a ride-share service or call a sober friend. Just don’t risk a DUI, crash or worse.”
So far this year, 205 people have died in crashes involving an impaired driver in Colorado. Although this figure represents a significant decrease from last year’s numbers, officials caution that crashes related to impaired driving often rise during the holidays. In December 2024 alone, there were 45 road fatalities in Colorado; 14 involved suspected impaired drivers.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said: “Colorado’s decrease in impaired driving deaths is a hopeful sign that more drivers are making the right decisions to arrange for a sober ride. Do your part to save lives this season. Plan ahead and remember that there’s never an excuse to drive impaired.”
To encourage safe transportation options during the holidays, Uber and MADD are offering an $8 discount through Uber Voucher code JOYFULCO25 for rides within Denver from December 24 through January 2.
CDOT recently attended MADD’s Giving and Gratitude Luncheon to support victim services and prevention programs addressing drunk and drugged-driving incidents.
Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming commented: “This season of celebration often turns to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a sober ride home. Take a moment to make your plan and together we can end impaired driving.”
The annual report from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice found that nearly half of those convicted for DUI after being involved in crashes had multiple substances—such as alcohol combined with cannabis or other drugs—in their system at the time.
During this holiday period from December 11–25, law enforcement will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints across Colorado as part of “The Heat Is On” campaign—a year-round effort featuring heightened enforcement periods tied to major holidays or events (see https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal/alcohol). Last December saw over 1,300 DUI arrests statewide.
Drivers are reminded about Expressed Consent laws—refusing breath or blood tests after arrest may lead to additional penalties (see https://www.codot.gov/safety/impaired-driving/choosetotest).
To educate motorists about DUI consequences, CDOT has launched “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest,” a video series available on YouTube featuring interviews with law enforcement officers, local officials, victims’ families and advocates.
More information about “The Heat Is On” campaign can be found at https://www.codot.gov/safety/alcohol-and-impaired-driving/the-heat-is-on; details on DUI laws are available at https://noduicolorado.org/.
For additional safety resources or media materials regarding impaired driving prevention efforts visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/impaired-driving/media-resources-page.
