The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has reported a 22% decrease in impaired driving-related fatalities compared to the same period in 2022, when such deaths reached a record high. The announcement comes as holiday celebrations increase, prompting CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to encourage drivers to plan for safe transportation.
“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 CDOT. “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.”
So far in 2025, there have been 205 deaths from crashes involving an impaired driver in Colorado. While this number remains significant, it reflects progress since last year. CDOT cautions that such incidents tend to rise during periods of increased travel like the holidays. In December 2024 alone, 45 people died on Colorado roads; 14 of those fatalities involved suspected impaired drivers.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, also addressed motorists: “Colorado’s decrease in impaired driving deaths is a hopeful sign that more drivers are making the right decisions to arrange for a sober ride,” he said. “Do your part to save lives this season. Plan ahead and remember that there’s never an excuse to drive impaired.”
To support safe travel during the holidays, Uber and MADD are offering an $8 discount for rides using code JOYFULCO25 within the Denver metro area between December 24 and January 2.
CDOT recently participated in MADD’s Giving and Gratitude Luncheon to show support for victim services and prevention programs related to impaired driving.
“This season of celebration often turns to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a sober ride home,” said Rebecca Green, state executive director of MADD Colorado and Wyoming. “Take a moment to make your plan and together we can end impaired driving.”
A new report from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice shows that many DUI convictions involve multiple substances: nearly half included alcohol combined with cannabis or another drug.
During this month’s heightened enforcement period from December 11 through December 25, law enforcement will increase patrols and checkpoints as part of The Heat Is On campaign targeting impaired drivers statewide. Last year during this period there were over 1,300 DUI arrests across Colorado.
For more information about ongoing efforts against impaired driving or resources on DUI laws in Colorado, visit HeatIsOnColorado.com or NoDUIColorado.org.
Drivers are reminded about Expressed Consent laws—refusing breath or blood tests after arrest may result in additional penalties under state law.
CDOT has produced educational videos showing what happens during DUI arrests and checkpoints; these materials are available online for public viewing.
