(COLO) – Whether attending the holiday office party, your best friend’s ugly sweater celebration or hosting the family’s annual get-together, alcohol and other impairing substances often play a big role in our holiday traditions. In a recent survey, 48% of respondents over the age of 21 admitted that they drink more alcohol at holiday parties than at any other time of the year. And last year, impaired driving was the top causal factor for fatal crashes in Colorado. This was a 6% increase over 2021.
“Far too many of us have been impacted by the reckless choice of an impaired driver; I’m asking for your help in preventing a tragedy in your community this year,” explains Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Ultimately, each person will make the final choice, but what if we could make the right choice easier or more obvious?”
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The Colorado State Patrol is sharing Ten Ways to Stop a Friend or Loved One from Driving Impaired:
- Be the designated driver – take on the role so everyone gets home safely that night.
- Call a taxi or ride-share – why wait for the impaired person to do it? Make sure the driver has explicit instructions and help set up payment.
- Offer to drive their vehicle – if you are sober, drive your friend and their vehicle back home for them.
- Call a friend or family member for them – and do this for yourself if you’ve been drinking, too.
- Join them on public transportation – take the bus, light rail, or walk with them.
- Collect car keys – if you are hosting, ensure everyone gets to stay the night or gets a safe ride home.
- Offer non-alcoholic options – if you are hosting, let people stop or take breaks from drinking without asking. Make fun virgin cocktails.
- Stop serving – stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party ends and check to see if anyone needs a sober ride home.
- Refuse to ride – intoxicated people tend to follow the group decision and refuse to ride in the car with an intoxicated friend. Show them you are serious about their condition and don’t trust their abilities.
- Let it be known – explain that you care! Politely but firmly tell the person you cannot let them drive home and persist! Don’t argue; be calm and firm.
Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations, impaired driving and speeding while launching a yearlong campaign called “Drive Safe.” This campaign reminds people to reflect on everything they love and value and plan a sober ride when planning to celebrate.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.