CSP begins holiday DUI enforcement ahead of Thanksgiving
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) say that they are beginning their "Heat is On" DUI enforcement program.
Starting Thursday, Nov. 21, CSP -- as well as 75 other local law enforcement agencies -- are expected to have an increased presence on the roads and sobriety checkpoints.
According to data provided by CDOT, between 2020 and 2023 Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of roadway fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period.
Officials say that there were 353 DUI arrests in Colorado during last year's Thanksgiving week.
According to CDOT, El Paso County has had the highest number of impaired driving-related deaths in the state so far this year.
"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, in a release. "The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, not mourn their loss. Colorado law enforcement is looking for impaired drivers to ensure every seat at your Thanksgiving table is filled. You can help. Take the steps to prevent a life-changing crash by using a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transit to get home safely. "
KRDO 13's The Road Warrior spoke earlier this week with Trooper Sherri Mendez, a public information officer with the CSP, about the upcoming holiday.
"Last year, we arrested 12 people on the night prior to Thanksgiving, and we arrested 35 people on Thanksgiving Day," she says. "I can say that ties into drinking and being around family. I don't know what goes on, but it is a busy day for all the troopers."
Mendez hopes that drivers will think of safety not only for themselves and passengers but also for law enforcement on duty.
"Along with Thanksgiving, we're there to be with our friends and family" she explains. "So, everybody else is trying to be with their friends and family, as well. So, just please drive safely. If you see someone driving aggressively, call *CSP, and you should be able to talk to one of our dispatchers."
It was just last week that Trooper Tyler Atkins was injured on Highway 115 near Fort Carson; he was sitting in his patrol car investigating an earlier crash when it was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Mendez recommends that drivers consider using public transportation, ride-sharing services, or getting rides from friends and relatives, to avoid driving under the influence.
"We deliver that safety message before every holiday period, but I think it's finally starting to sink in and make a difference," she says.
This Thanksgiving, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with rideshare credits. This offer is valid for a one-way ride to your home and may be redeemed one time. The program runs from Nov. 27 to Nov. 30.
You must submit your receipt for an Uber or Lyft credit reimbursement within two weeks of the last day of the program. Anyone age 21 or older who resides in Colorado with a valid ID may participate in the program. Visit www.wilhitelawfirm.com/rideshare-program for program information.
