The Colorado State Patrol is increasing drunk driving patrols starting today for the Thanksgiving holiday an announcement from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
From Thursday, November 21 through Wednesday, December 4, the Colorado State Patrol and 75 local law enforcement agencies will increase road enforcement for dangerous driving during the Heat Is On Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement period. This enforcement includes more police officers in high-traffic areas, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty to arrest impaired drivers.
Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of traffic fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period, according to preliminary data between 2020 and 2023. Thanksgiving also ranks third in the number of holiday traffic fatalities during this period.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, last year’s Thanksgiving Week enforcement period concluded with 353 reported DUI arrests across Colorado.
“So far this year, 181 people have been killed on Colorado roadways 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 to mourn their loss.”
As part of this effort, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with ride credits to keep Coloradans safe and promote frugal riding. This offer is valid for a single ride to the rider’s home and can be redeemed once from November 27 to November 30.
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