As winter holiday travel and celebrations get underway across the state, No DUI NoCo urges motorists to avoid driving impaired and plan ahead for a safe, sober ride home.
New data shows that impaired driving fatalities in Colorado have declined year over year since reaching a record high in 2022. While this progress is encouraging, officials warn that the holiday season remains one of the most dangerous times on Colorado roads due to increased travel, winter conditions, and impaired driving.
Impaired driving continues to be a significant threat to roadway safety in Colorado. One in three traffic deaths in the state involves an impaired driver. So far this year, 205 people have died in crashes involving impaired driving. Last December alone, 14 of the 45 people killed in traffic crashes statewide were involved in suspected impaired driving incidents, and law enforcement made 1,384 DUI arrests during the month.
“The holidays should be a time for connection and celebration, not tragedy,” said Heather Vesgaard, executive director of Partners and No DUI NoCo. “Impaired driving is entirely preventable, and planning a sober ride home is one simple choice that can save lives. We’re asking everyone to look out for one another and make safety a priority this holiday season.”
During The Heat Is On Holiday Parties DUI enforcement period coordinated by the Colorado Department of Transportation and MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), drivers can expect increased law enforcement presence across Colorado. Additional officers will be on duty specifically to identify and arrest impaired drivers and to keep roadways safe for everyone.
No DUI NoCo reminds drivers that impairment includes alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs. Mixing substances can significantly increase impairment and crash risk.
As Coloradans gather with family and friends this winter, No DUI NoCo urges everyone to make responsible choices behind the wheel. Planning a sober ride home saves lives and helps ensure the holidays remain a time of celebration, not tragedy.
TIPS TO CELEBRATE SAFELY
Give the gift of a sober ride – If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re giving one of the most meaningful gifts you can give this holiday season. Commit to staying sober – your friends and loved ones are relying on you to get them home safe.
Wrap up the keys – If you plan to drink or consume drugs, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home. Even if you’ve only had a few drinks or one edible, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home. A sober driver is one who does not drink or consume drugs at all, not the one who’s consumed the least.
Host for safety – If you’re hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks and food, and encourage guests to use safe transportation. Responsible choices keep celebrations joyful.
Stay the night – If you’re at a friend’s house, consider spending the night rather than driving home.
Call 911 – If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
WINTER HOLIDAY IMPAIRED DRIVING STATS
- Nighttime driving in December 2023 was significantly more dangerous than daytime driving, with 30% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. being drunk. Almost half (47%) of drivers involved in fatal crashes between the hours of midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk (NHTSA).
- In December 2023, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22%) compared to female drivers (18%) (NHTSA).
- Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2023 (NHTSA).
- In December 2024 in Colorado, 45 fatal crashes occurred, with 14 involving impairment; 1,385 DUI arrests were made throughout that month (over 44/day) (CDOT).
ABOUT NO DUI NOCO
No DUI NoCo is working to get the word out about the dangers and consequences of teen impaired driving and offering solutions and tips on how to avoid or curb the effects on the greater community. No DUI NoCo, a coalition and campaign born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in northern Colorado, is working to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. This project is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and community members, working together to encourage the general public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving.
No DUI NoCo is focusing on prevention efforts - education, tools, and messaging for groups and individuals who tend to risk driving regularly with elevated BACs, and who are involved in a higher number of alcohol-related crashes. Studies have shown that young people, ages 16-24, tend to have the highest number of drivers involved in DUI/DWI crashes with a BAC at or above legal intoxication levels and are the most likely group to drive within 2 hours of consuming cannabis (Colorado Department of Transportation). The goal of the next arm of the No DUI campaign is to reduce the number of DUI/DWI related crashes with this age group at the wheel.
No DUI encourages all citizens to remain vigilant and to plan ahead when consuming alcohol. If you are the designated driver, make a commitment to 100% sobriety to keep you, your friends, and your family safe.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, please “Make the Call” and contact local law enforcement (911) immediately.
Remember: If you feel different, you drive different.
No DUI NoCo Mission:
The No DUI NoCo coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.
Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency - please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.
Partners, who absorbed this project from the former nonprofit Team Wellness & Prevention is the lead agency on this campaign. Partners has engaged a steering committee and named the project NO DUI NOCO.
