As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, concerns over impaired driving take center stage in Colorado. With a reported 184 impaired-driving fatalities so far this year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has kicked off its "The Heat Is On" campaign, which started Nov. 20 and will run through Dec. 3, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. Law enforcement agencies across the state, numbering 68 in total, will join forces with the Colorado State Patrol to implement sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, all in an effort to apprehend impaired drivers and ensure road safety.
In an attempt to quell the spike in roadway tragedies during the festive period, CDOT has teamed up with Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to offer a discount on rides. Revelers in the Denver metro area can use an Uber Voucher code GOBBLECO25 for an $8 discount, applicable from Nov. 26 to 30. "As the holiday season begins, we know that impaired drivers will be a threat on Colorado roads," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, as per the Colorado Department of Transportation. He further emphasized personal responsibility by adding, "Protect your loved ones this holiday season and hold them accountable — never let a friend or family member drive drunk."
Last year, the Thanksgiving enforcement period saw nearly a 20% increase in DUI arrests from 2023, with 423 drivers apprehended. The CDOT has made it clear that arrests can occur for any observed signs of impairment, even if a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.05%. Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT, cautioned, "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," as obtained by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
