A Guide to DUI Enforcement and Free Ride Home Options: According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, seven people were killed in car crashes around New Year’s Eve 2022. This was the highest number of New Year’s Eve traffic deaths in six years.
From New Year’s Eve weekend until January 3, CDOT, the Colorado State Patrol, and police departments across the state will be doing more patrols to stop drunk driving.
Chief Matthew Packard of the Colorado State Patrol said in a news release, “Even though most Coloradans don’t drink and drive, it only takes a few selfish people to destroy a family or community.” “Last year, 168 DUI arrests were made during the New Year’s Eve Weekend enforcement period.”
Chieftain asked Sgt. Franklyn Ortega of the Pueblo Police Department if they “for sure” see more drunk drivers around New Year’s Eve. Ortega said that his department will be “focused on impaired drivers” this weekend.
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The McDivitt Law Firm’s free ride program in Pueblo is still going strong. The Safe Ride Home Program will be held at the McDivitt Law Firm, 409 N Grand Ave., Suite D, on New Year’s Eve.
Since 2007, the Safe Ride Home Program has paid for cab rides for people who need a safe way to get home after a night of drinking. From 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, to 3 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, people can get free rides.
A news statement from the McDivitt Law Firm says that people in Pueblo and Pueblo West can call City Cab at 719-543-2525 and tell the drivers, “It’s on McDivitt” when they get in the cab to get the free ride. To get help in Colorado Springs, call Yellow Cab at 719-766-4567.
Rides will only be available from one drinking establishment to a home, not from one drinking establishment to another. Every person who calls will be given a ride, but rides are not promised. You can find out more at mcdivittlaw.com/about/mmad/free-rides-home/.
CDOT gives party hosts advice for New Year’s Eve
If you’re having a party this weekend for the New Year, CDOT says that you should get your friends’ car keys when they arrive. Also, hosts should make sure that their guests have a sober driver take them home.
If hosts can’t find a clean ride home right away, they may call a guest’s friend or family member, or they may even offer the guest a place to stay the night. At least two hours before the party ends, alcohol should no longer be given. During the party, there should also be food and drinks that don’t contain booze.
In a news statement, CDOT said, “Be persistent if a guest is drunk and plans to drive home.” “Tell them you’re worried about their safety and won’t let them drive… Remember that you could be sued as a host if one of your guests gets drunk and crashes.
