The Colorado Department of Transportation is joining forces with Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies statewide to keep impaired drivers off Colorado roads ahead of the new year.
The current DUI enforcement effort, called "Cheers to Sober Drivers" runs through January 2.
CDOT says the new year means fresh starts and positive changes including making sure to never drive impaired.
And CSP says a DUI can ruin more than the party. “Driving impaired effects more than just the driver, it puts everyone on the road at risk," said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of CSP. "As the enforcement period continues, we want to see Coloradans make the right decision during their New Year’s Eve festivities by finding a sober ride home.”
If you plan to spend a night on the town to ring in the new year remember these tips:
- Take advantage of options for discounted and free sober rides home
- Don't be afraid to take someone's car keys if they are impaired
- Don't get into a vehicle with a driver you think might be impaired
- Plan a safe and sober way to get home before going out
- Drink responsibly for a fun but safe New Year's Eve celebration
Along with taxis, Uber and Lyft, there are several promotions and alternate transportation options to help those celebrating the new year to get home safely.
If you're in Denver for New Year's, Coor's Light is partnering with RTD and Coors Distributing for the 12th consecutive year to offer free rides on all RTD bus and rail routes, as well as Access-a-Ride and SkyRide services. That starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 and runs through the end of the Jan. 1 service day.
In Colorado Springs and Pueblo, McDivitt Law Firm will offer free rides home from 10 pm. Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Jan. 1. In Pueblo call City Cab at 719-543-2525, and in Colorado Springs call zTrip at 719-777-7777 or use the zTrip app to order a ride. When you get in the cab just tell your driver "It's on McDivitt." If you use the zTrip app make sure you mark "Pay in Car" when you request a ride.
McDivitt is also partnering with Lyft for $20 in ride credits for those who need to get home safely.. Use the promo code MCDIVITTLAW to redeem in the app between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
McDivitt has provided more than 20,000 safe rides home since starting its free ride program in 2007.
AAA Colorado has a list of transportation options statewide on its website to help everyone start the year off on the right foot.
Cheers to Sober Drivers is part of the annual The Heat is On campaign, which runs year-round with 16 specfic hi-visibility enforcement periods around national holidays and other large public events.
