The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has announced a collaboration with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Uber to provide ride vouchers. This initiative aims to offer safer transportation options during the holiday season, encouraging individuals to avoid driving under the influence.
According to CSP, the “Don’t be a Turkey” campaign promotes discounted Uber rides as an alternative for those attending holiday gatherings. The campaign is supported by MADD and CDOT, allowing riders in the Denver metro area to use voucher code GOBBLECO25 for trips during Thanksgiving. This initiative is part of CSP’s broader effort to encourage planning for a sober ride before consuming alcohol.
Recent statistics from CDOT highlight the importance of such measures. Data indicates that approximately one-third of traffic fatalities in Colorado involve impaired drivers. During the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, over twenty road deaths have been recorded in previous years. In a recent DUI enforcement campaign over Thanksgiving, more than four hundred impaired drivers were arrested statewide, with CSP responsible for over one hundred arrests. These figures underscore CSP’s warning about increased DUI arrests during this time frame and emphasize that using a discounted Uber ride is significantly less costly than facing DUI charges or worse.
Uber’s involvement in Colorado is part of a larger trend where ride-hailing companies collaborate with safety agencies to reduce impaired driving incidents. Previously, CDOT and Uber have provided ride credits during holiday campaigns, and similar efforts have been made around Halloween with initiatives like “DUIs ARE SCARY.” Nationally, Uber has partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation on roadway safety initiatives, offering local discounts and educational efforts to promote ridesharing over drunk driving. Market analysts view these public-private partnerships as effective ways for private firms, organizations like MADD, and law enforcement to work together without expanding government or increasing taxes.
The Colorado State Patrol operates as the highway law-enforcement division within the Colorado Department of Public Safety. Its mission includes promoting safety, protecting lives, and preserving highways through rigorous traffic enforcement while maintaining professionalism. Based in Lakewood, CSP deploys numerous troopers across thousands of miles of state highways and county roads to investigate crashes, oversee commercial vehicle safety, and protect state officials and facilities. The agency emphasizes visible patrols and strict enforcement against DUIs and speeding as part of its public education efforts like “The Heat Is On,” which advocates for personal responsibility when driving.
