NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
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Thanksgiving is two weeks away from launching the 2023 holiday season.
Family gatherings, holiday parties and social gatherings are an important part of the season that many of us enjoy. Yet, it is also a time when many people will drink beyond their limits.
Last year, Colorado saw a 6% increase in traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving. This year, Colorado State Troopers want you to remember all the reasons you should make a plan for a sober ride home.
“A holiday toast should never turn tragic,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We want people to look around the room of family, friends or colleagues and remember why it is important for them to call a rideshare, crash on the couch or get a sober driver to take them home. It’s NOT an inconvenience – you are doing the right thing.”
The Colorado State Patrol will highlight all the things we sometimes take for granted but become very clear when people stop and reflect. This multi-week campaign called “All Reasons to Drive Sober” will include social media posts, digital ads, radio PSAs and more.
“The effects of alcohol and other drugs directly impact driving behaviors,” explained Col. Packard. “We know that reaction times get longer, peripheral vision decreases and people overestimate their abilities when under the influence.”
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 all the things they love and value and plan a sober ride when planning to celebrate.
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