Colorado State Patrol to up DUI enforcement through Christmas
So far this year, 205 people died in crashes involving impaired drivers
Ray K. Erku/The Aspen Times archives
The Colorado State Patrol is upping its enforcement of driving under the influence laws through the holiday season.
The statewide enforcement efforts will run through Christmas Day, Dec. 25, according to a news release. During this period, there will be increased law enforcement officers on duty and sobriety checkpoints.
“Whether a felony or a misdemeanor, a (driving under the influence charge) is not a gift you want this holiday season,” Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard said in a statement. “Yet, it is the best outcome for everyone on the road with you if you fail to plan for a sober ride.”
Deaths related to impaired driving are down 22% compared to this time in 2022, when such deaths reached a record high, according to State Patrol. Still, 205 people have died in crashes involving an impaired driver so far this year.
Impaired driving-related crashes often spike as travel increases during the holiday season. Last December, 45 people died on Colorado roads, with 14 of those crashes involving a suspected impaired driver, Colorado Department of Transportation statistics show.
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During last year’s holiday enforcement period, Colorado law enforcement officers made 451 arrests for driving under the influence. There were a total of 1,385 arrests for driving under the influence last December, or an average of 44 per day, according to State Patrol.
To avoid driving under the influence, transportation officials suggest drivers plan a sober ride home before heading out so as not to be tempted to drive later when their judgement in impaired.
“Colorado’s decrease in impaired driving deaths is a hopeful sign that more drivers are making the right decision to arrange for a sober ride,” Packard said. “Do your part to save lives this season. Plan ahead, and remember there’s never an excuse to drive impaired.”
