The Colorado State Patrol is increasing patrols for impaired driving for the Thanksgiving holiday starting today, according to from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
From Thursday, Nov. 21, to Wednesday, Dec. 4, the Colorado State Patrol and 75 local law enforcement agencies will increase road surveillance for dangerous driving during the Heat Is On Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement period. This enforcement will include more police officers in high-traffic areas, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of roadway fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period, according to preliminary data between 2020 and 2023. Thanksgiving also ranks third-highest for the number of impaired driving-related fatalities during the holidays in this period.
Last year’s Thanksgiving Week enforcement period concluded with 353 reported DUI arrests across Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“So far this year, 181 people have died on Colorado roads due to impaired drivers,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not mourn their loss.”
As part of this effort, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with ride-share credits to keep Coloradans safe and promote sober rides. This offer is valid for a one-way ride to the rider’s home and may be redeemed one time from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30.
