New data from the Colorado Department of Transportation shows that impaired driving-related fatalities are down 22% compared to this time in 2022, when impaired driving deaths reached a record high. With the holiday parties in full swing, today CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) gathered to urge motorists to plan a safe and sober ride home this holiday season. Dec. 11 marks the beginning of a 15-day heightened DUI enforcement period in the state. As such, CDOT is offering several tips on how to avoid a DUI during the holidays.
“Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season — driving impaired is a conscious decision that can cost lives,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT. “If you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis, do not get behind the wheel. Instead, use a ride-share service or call a sober friend. Just don’t risk a DUI, crash or worse.”
So far this year, 205 people have died in crashes involving an impaired driver in Colorado — a tragic number, even as it marks a 22% decrease from the same year-to-date time period in 2022. The agency warns that impaired driving-related crashes often spike as travel increases during the holidays. Last December alone, 45 people died on Colorado roads, 14 of which involved a suspected impaired driver.
“Colorado’s decrease in impaired driving deaths is a hopeful sign that more drivers are making the right decisions to arrange for a sober ride,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Do your part to save lives this season. Plan ahead and remember that there’s never an excuse to drive impaired.”
CDOT attended MADD's 2025 Giving and Gratitude Luncheon this week to support MADD’s victim services and prevention programs and connect with victims of impaired driving. The event honored individuals and organizations for their unwavering commitment to victims and their outstanding work in connection with drunk and drugged-driving crashes. Interviews featuring victims of impaired driving are available in the media kit, linked here.
“This season of celebration often turns to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a sober ride home,” said Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming. “Take a moment to make your plan and together we can end impaired driving.”
This month, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice published their annual report covering major findings about impaired driving in Colorado. According to this year's report, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol 2022 (page 13), 48% of individuals in a crash and convicted of a DUI had alcohol, cannabis and another drug in their system; 41% had alcohol and THC; and 44% had alcohol and a drug besides THC. Driving while impaired by any combination of alcohol and drugs is dangerous and illegal, and can result in a DUI.
This holiday season, drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe. From Dec. 11 to 25, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol and 66 local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Holiday Parties DUI enforcement period. During last year’s Holiday Parties enforcement period, Colorado law enforcement made 451 DUI arrests. There were a total of 1,385 DUI arrests last December — an average of more than 44 per day.
Impaired driving can be deadly, especially when mixed with Colorado's winter weather. Follow these safety tips to keep yourself and others safe:
Plan a sober ride home before heading out so you won’t be tempted to later drive impaired.
If you have a designated driver, ensure they are truly sober before entering their vehicle.
If you’re ever unsure whether you are safe to drive, always err on the side of caution and find a sober ride home.
If you plan to host a party, make sure your guests stay safe by following these tips:
Collect your guests’ car keys upon arrival. Or, encourage them to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service, taxi or public transportation.
If you’re not drinking, offer safe rides to those who may not have prepared a sober ride home.
Call a friend or family member for a guest if they have been drinking or offer them a place to stay if a sober ride home is unavailable.
Be persistent if a guest is intoxicated and planning to drive home. Explain that you care about their safety and cannot let them get behind the wheel.
Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options.
Remember, as a host, you could be held liable if a guest you serve alcohol to gets in a crash.
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