Today marks the beginning of a 15-day heightened DUI enforcement period across the state and part of a nationwide “The Heat is On” program. Impaired driving-related crashes increase as travel and social gatherings rise during the holidays.

So far this year, 205 people have died in crashes involving an impaired driver in Colorado. Last December alone, 45 people died on Colorado roads, 14 of whom were suspected impaired drivers.

During last year’s “The Heat Is On – 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. Of the seven arrests in Estes Park between Dec. 1 and Dec 8, four of them involved driving under the influence.

“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 the Colorado Department of Transportation. “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.”

According to a report issued last week by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice about driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, 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. In an email exchange with Sam Cole, a communications manager for the CDOT, the data in the report dates to 2022 because there is a lag in hard data due to DUI court cases.

Driving while impaired by any combination of alcohol and drugs is dangerous and illegal, and can result in a DUI. Impaired driving can be deadly, especially when mixed with Colorado’s winter weather and potentiated by altitude.

This holiday season, drivers can expect to see “The Heat is On” saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and keeping Colorado’s roads safe.

According to Marriah Higgins, who owns Explore Estes, a ride share and tour company along with her husband, Riley, safe rides home are available in Estes Park on Fridays and Saturdays until 12 a.m. for $15 each way.

Higgins says that people can call ahead to schedule transportation and reach out on the day of the event for rides. Explore Estes will be closed on Christmas, but will be open from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The company can be reached at 970-235-1156.

CDOT recommends the following safety tips to keep yourself and others safe:

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 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 appears to be intoxicated and plans 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