Colorado has reported 184 deaths related to impaired driving so far this year, as state and local agencies prepare for increased DUI enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday period. From November 20 to December 3, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and 68 local law enforcement agencies, will conduct “The Heat Is On” Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement campaign. This effort will include saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional officers focused on arresting impaired drivers.
To reduce impairment-related crashes over Thanksgiving, Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are offering an $8 discount on rides using the code GOBBLECO25 in the Uber app. The offer is valid for one-time use within the Denver metro area from November 26 to November 30.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said: “As the holiday season begins, we know that impaired drivers will be a threat on Colorado roads. 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.”
Data from CDOT shows that one in three traffic deaths in Colorado involves an impaired driver. Between November and December last year, there were 23 fatalities attributed to impaired driving statewide. During last year’s Thanksgiving Weekend DUI enforcement period alone, law enforcement arrested 423 individuals for driving under the influence—a nearly 20% increase compared to arrests made during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023.
CDOT reminds drivers that even if their blood alcohol content is below 0.05%, they can still be arrested for DUI if an officer observes signs of impairment; only a BAC of zero ensures it is safe to drive.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, stated: “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… 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 recent DUI enforcement period across Colorado’s participating agencies, there were 190 arrests; Fort Collins Police Department, Greeley Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office each recorded eleven arrests while Colorado State Patrol made fifty-eight arrests.
Following Thanksgiving Weekend’s operation, another high-visibility enforcement period is scheduled for December during Holiday Parties (December 11–25). The Heat Is On campaign includes fifteen such periods annually centered around holidays or large events.
CDOT also emphasizes understanding Expressed Consent laws—refusing breath or blood tests after a DUI arrest may lead to harsher penalties.
For more information about these campaigns visit HeatIsOnColorado.com; details about state DUI laws are at NoDUIColorado.org; CDOT’s broader safety initiatives are available at codot.gov/safety; information about Expressed Consent can be found at codot.gov/choosetotest.
A video series titled “The Long Road: Navigating a DUI Arrest,” which features interviews with law enforcement officials and victims’ advocates about DUIs in Colorado is available on YouTube.
