• 30
  • November
    2011

Now that the holiday season is officially underway, people across the state of Colorado are making plans to visit friends and family, dine and shop, and attend holiday office parties. While these are all extremely festive outings, it's important to remember to practice moderation if alcohol is present. The reason? Multiple state agencies have launched initiatives designed to crack down on DUI/DWAI over the holiday season.

Specifically, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has joined forces with the Colorado State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies across the state to encourage motorists to plan ahead if they will be drinking.

In fact, CDOT has launched several rather original marketing measures in an attempt to cut down on drunk driving during the holidays.

The first such measure is a Facebook page featuring an interactive "Elf Game" in which the player assumes the role of a sober elf and travels around the office gathering car keys from fellow inebriated elves. Throughout the course of the game, CDOT flashes tips for safe party planning.

Elf Game players who "like" CDOT's Facebook page can also register for a free pair of lift tickets to Arapahoe Basin Ski Resorts.

In addition, CDOT has placed reindeer decals on banner advertisements and on bathroom mirrors in restaurants/bars, proclaiming "Don't drive if you're tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen."

Lastly, here in Denver, CDOT has put up billboard advertisements with images of Santa, stating the following: "He knows when you are drinking. He knows when you're .08. Designate a driver for goodness sake."

It is also worth noting that law enforcement officials here in Colorado will also be taking to the roads and highways in greater numbers as part of the annual Holiday Heat is On drunk driving crackdown, which runs from after Thanksgiving through the New Year.

State officials are hoping that this DUI/DWAI crackdown -- coupled with the CDOT marketing campaign -- will help decrease the number of DUI arrests and accidents over the holidays.

Last year, Colorado saw 18 traffic fatalities involving alcohol during the holiday season.

Stay tuned for updates from our Denver DUI/DWAI blog ...

Remember, mistakes happen. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, it is extremely important to speak with an experienced Colorado attorney.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Sources:

NBC-11 News, "Tipsy, buzzed or blitzen? DUI crackdown begins" Nov. 28, 2011

Colorado Department of Transportation, "Plan ahead Colorado" Nov. 2011