COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – As we approach the new year, CDOT is urging everyone to have a plan for New Year’s Eve to ensure no one who has been drinking gets behind the wheel.

“If you are planning a party, consider removing alcohol a few hours before the end of the party to ensure the safety of your guests,” explained Sam Cole, Safety Communications Manager for CDOT. “Don’t be afraid to call a friend to pick up someone who may have had too much to drink. You don’t want to regret not making that call to protect someone…If an accident occurs, you could be held liable as a party involved.”

“The Heat is on New Year’s Eve weekend and the drunk driving enforcement period begins December 26th and ends January 2nd. The Colorado State Patrol and 68 other law enforcement agencies across the state will be on patrol. Drivers can expect more checks on the roads, including sobriety checks. Last year, 239 people were arrested for drunk driving during this period. Across all enforcement periods in 2024, 6,307 DUI arrests were made.

“In Colorado, we record more than 200 fatalities each year involving an impaired driver,” Cole said. “Every single one of these deaths is preventable.”

This New Year, special efforts are being made to ensure there are no excuses when driving under the influence.

“We’re working with Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving to offer $7 ride vouchers so people can have a safe New Year and not have to drink and drive,” Cole explained. “I think that’s a great motivation for people to make the right decision and we hope that it actually saves some lives, because you’re right… a lot of people are going to go out and party on New Year’s Eve, and unfortunately, some of them get driving under the influence and there will be accidents involving impaired drivers. It’s just a sad reality.”

Impaired driving is dangerous not only for the driver, but also for others. CDOT told 11 News that getting a DUI is a “lengthy and costly process to serve your sentence.” According to CDOT, driving drunk or under the influence of a substance should never be an option.

“There is absolutely no reason why our roads cannot be free of impaired drivers,” Cole exclaimed. “There are so many options, from public transportation to ridesharing to having a sober friend who can keep you safe.”

To redeem the $7 ride credit with Uber, use the code “SAFECO24.”

If you see someone on the road who may be driving impaired, the Colorado State Patrol recommends calling *277 so a dispatcher can send a trooper to investigate.

Remember: you are helping to save a life.

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