Colorado State Patrol urges sober driving over New Year's Eve

Colorado State Patrol is warning drivers to drive sober or make arrangements for a sober driver over New Year, with New Year’s Eve holiday surge enforcement beginning Thursday across the state.

The Colorado State Patrol and 68 local law enforcement agencies are participating in the Heat is On New Year’s Eve DUI enforcement period.

During that period, drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional law enforcement officers on duty to remove impaired drivers from Colorado roads.

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To encourage safe rides and help prevent impaired driving this holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Colorado and Uber have partnered to provide $7 ride credits. Valid statewide, ride credits can be redeemed using code SAFECO24 in the Uber app starting Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2025, while supplies last.

“As we approach the end of a long year and celebrate with family and friends, it’s important that we all get home safely to enjoy the New Year,” said Rebecca Green, State Executive Director for MADD Colorado and Wyoming, in a recent CDOT news release. “As you join in gatherings and festivities, we ask that you please plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home. Leaving your vehicle at home ensures that you don’t have to wonder if you’re OK to drive. Uber will do the work for you. While we anticipate that there will be more crashes over the holiday and are prepared to support those who need MADD, it is our hope that we all pitch in to eliminate the possibility of injury and loss and plan ahead to leave the driving to others. Together we can end impaired driving.”

One hundred-ninety people have died on Colorado roads due to impaired drivers this year to date, making up 30% of all traffic fatalities this year, according to CDOT.

“The heat is on this New Year’s Eve, Colorado,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Law enforcement across the state will remove impaired drivers from the road and encourage motorists to start 2025 safely. Before heading out to a bar or party this holiday, take a minute to make a plan. It could save your life. It could save a loved one’s life. Choose a sober ride every time.”

Last year, 239 DUI arrests were reported across the state during the New Year’s Eve Weekend enforcement period.

Throughout all enforcement periods this year alone, there have been 6,307 DUI arrests.

“This time of year is particularly dangerous for Colorado drivers since alcohol and cannabis consumption often go hand in hand during New Year’s Eve celebrations,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk in the release. “Whatever your plans are to ring in the new year, don’t get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence. Your choices matter when it comes to responsibility.”

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For party hosts, CDOT offers the following tips to ensure guest safety on the way home:

Collect your guests’ car keys upon arrival, or encourage them to designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service, taxi or public transportation.
Call a friend or family member for a guest if they have been drinking or offer them a place to stay if a sober ride home is unavailable.
Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
Be persistent if a guest is intoxicated and planning to drive home. Explain that you care about their safety and cannot let them get behind the wheel.
Remember, as a host, you could be held liable if a guest you serve alcohol to gets in a crash.

Following New Year’s Eve Weekend, the next DUI enforcement period will be Winter Blitz from Jan. 9 to 22.

Aside from sober driving, CDOT also reminds drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, as on Jan. 1, which prohibits drivers from using a mobile device for any reason while driving and requires the use of hands-free devices.

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CDOT urges all drivers to begin practicing hands-free driving now before the law goes into affect, according to the news release.

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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: CDOT urges sober driving over New Year’s Eve DUI holiday enforcement

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