Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement begins Thursday
News Release
Statewide — If your Thanksgiving plans include alcohol or cannabis, plan a safe and sober ride home — your loved ones will be thankful you did. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 75 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
According to preliminary data, between 2020 and 2023, Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of roadway fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period. Additionally, Thanksgiving ranks third-highest for impaired driving-related fatalities during holidays over this same time frame. Last year’s Thanksgiving Week enforcement period concluded with 353 reported DUI arrests across Colorado. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 833 impaired driving-related fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period from 2018 to 2022 nationwide. Email [email protected] for data.
"So far this year, 181 people have died on Colorado roads due to impaired drivers," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not mourn their loss. Colorado law enforcement is looking for impaired drivers to ensure every seat at your Thanksgiving table is filled. You can help. Take the steps to prevent a life-changing crash by using a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transit to get home safely. "
This Thanksgiving, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with rideshare credits to keep Coloradans safe and promote sober rides. 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. 27 to 30). You must submit your receipt for an Uber or Lyft credit reimbursement within two weeks of the last day of the program. 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 program information.
"Make the smart choice and put your keys down if you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis — don’t risk a DUI, crash or worse this Thanksgiving," said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. "Make it to your gatherings and holiday celebrations safely by making sure a designated driver is part of your plans. Even if you think you’re OK to drive, it’s always better to call a sober friend than put yourself and other Coloradans in danger."
The recent Halloween Weekend DUI enforcement period concluded with 179 arrests across 86 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Colorado Springs Police Department (18), Larimer County Sheriff's Office (12) and Fort Collins Police Department (11). CSP reported 40 arrests. Following Thanksgiving Week, the next DUI enforcement period will be Holiday Parties from Dec. 12 to 25.
For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety/data-analysis/fatal-crash-data. For local law enforcement agency plans, visit https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-reporting-portal.
DUI Checkpoint B-Roll
CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. You can find more about these photos by emailing [email protected].
Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.
About The Heat Is On
The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.
Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
- Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
- Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
- Be patient!
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!
