All Douglas County offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day and reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, for normal business.
Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement underway
Posted on November 25, 2024 2024News and EventsPublic Safety
Information courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation:
If your Thanksgiving plans include alcohol or cannabis, plan a safe and sober ride home — your loved ones will be thankful you did.
From Nov. 21 to Dec. 4, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 75 local law enforcement agencies, including local municipalities and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, for The Heat Is On Thanksgiving Week DUI enforcement period. Drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
According to preliminary data, between 2020 and 2023, Thanksgiving had the second-highest average of roadway fatalities in Colorado during a holiday period, behind only Independence Day. Additionally, Thanksgiving ranks third highest for impaired driving-related fatalities during holidays over this same time frame. Last year’s Thanksgiving Week enforcement period concluded with 353 reported DUI arrests across Colorado. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 833 impaired driving-related fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday period from 2018 to 2022 nationwide.
“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. Colorado law enforcement is looking for impaired drivers to ensure every seat at your Thanksgiving table is filled. You can help. Take steps to prevent a life-changing crash by using a ride-sharing service, taxi, or public transit to get home safely.”
This Thanksgiving, The Wilhite Law Firm is offering to reimburse Uber or Lyft trips with rideshare credits to keep Coloradans safe and promote sober rides. This offer is valid for a one-way ride to your home and may be redeemed one time for the entire duration of the program (Nov. 27 to 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.
“Make the smart choice and put your keys down if you’ve been consuming alcohol or cannabis — don’t risk a DUI, crash or worse this Thanksgiving,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Make it to your gatherings and holiday celebrations safely by making sure a designated driver is part of your plans. Even if you think you’re OK to drive, it’s always better to call a sober friend than put yourself and other Coloradans in danger.”
Following Thanksgiving Week, the next DUI enforcement period will be Holiday Parties from Dec. 12 to 25.
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