Colorado State Patrol Urges Sober Rides and Responsible Holiday Hosting After 3,844 DUI Arrests in 2025

Description: Colorado State Patrol reports 3,844 impaired driving arrests in 2025 and shares holiday party safety tips to prevent DUI crashes and encourage sober rides...


Published: 1 hour ago
Byline: SECO News

Traditions Bring You Together

Sober rides bring you home

(COLORADO)—Last year, Colorado State Troopers arrested 3,844 people for driving impaired. While marijuana, prescription medication and other illegal substances were used, the most frequently encountered source of impairment involved in these arrests was alcohol. Last year, 58% (2240) of these arrests were attributed to impairment by alcohol. An additional 16% (632) of these arrests were for alcohol combined with marijuana or other drugs. 

"The penalties set by the court and Division of Motor Vehicles are clear and serious to stop a driver from driving intoxicated again," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "We want people to explore the options they have in their community to ensure a safe, sober ride home."

Along the Front Range urban corridor, rideshare services and public transportation can be used as the designated driver. A recent March 2025 Morning Consult poll among US Uber riders found that 90% of riders said Uber has helped reduce drunk driving and made it safer to get around.  In Colorado's rural or mountain communities, public transit, resort shuttles, or a traditional designated driver is likely a more reliable option.

"If you are hosting a holiday event, make it easy or non-optional for your guests to do the right thing," stated Col. Packard. "It's not just about your guests having a good time; it's also about ensuring they return home safely."

Responsible Party Host Tips

  • Have designated drivers. Plan to have sober drivers at your party who can escort folks home. Volunteer to be a sober driver at someone else's party.

  • Plan ahead to get keys. Prepare a basket or bowl where guests can leave their keys. You are the only person who can retrieve the keys. This way, you can check on all your guests before they leave.

  • Offer guests a room to stay. Protect your friends if they don't seem well enough to leave on their own. Give them a place to stay and sober up.

  • Arrange a Rideshare. Have an app ready to go – and help guests schedule a safe ride, while offering to keep their vehicle safe.

  • Stop serving alcohol or using other substances at least one hour before the party ends. Serve only coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages. As a host, limit the amount of alcohol served toward the end of the party.

  • Don't push drinks. Always have soft drinks, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages available for those guests who are driving or choose not to drink. Don't force a drink into someone's hand when they arrive.

  • Plan to be sober. Be a responsible host. Limiting your own alcohol intake will allow you to better determine if a guest is sober enough to drive at the end of the night.

In addition to a no-tolerance approach to enforcing DUI laws, the Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences an average Colorado driver faces after a DUI arrest as part of its "DUI Lasts Longer Than..." campaign during the holiday season (October 1 through New Year's Day). Don't Underestimate Impairment. Making a good decision "in the moment" while already intoxicated is unlikely. Don't underestimate the consequences of this choice, and plan ahead for a sober ride.



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