(COLO) – It’s a time to gather with loved ones and friends to relax, eat until you no longer can and build memories. Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, but it has also become a holiday of growing concern for the Colorado State Patrol. In 2022, Thanksgiving fell in the top three holidays for DUI citations from the Colorado State Patrol.
“Thanksgiving Eve begins the holiday DUI season for your area law enforcement,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Whether it is alcohol, marijuana or other forms of drugs, we see an increase of people celebrating but not always doing it responsibly.”
Like last year, troopers will step up their efforts and increase patrols seeking impaired drivers before they cause a needless tragedy. In 2022, the top counties with the largest number of proactive impaired driving citations from the Colorado State Patrol were:
- El Paso
- Adams
- Weld
- Jefferson
- Mesa
“Knowing that they have a long weekend ahead, many people will go out the night before the Thanksgiving feast to catch up with old friends and have fun,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Fun doesn’t have to be reckless. Whether it’s the parade on TV, an endless day of football, tons of food or catching up with grandma – you have a reason to be here the next day. Make a plan for a sober ride home.”
The message is simple. If you plan on going out and drinking or taking drugs as a part of that event, you must also include a sober ride home on your preparation list. If you can’t or don’t want to stay at the party’s location until you are sober, there are many options: ride shares, taxis, public transportation, a sober friend/family member, or walk.
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.