In an effort to reduce the number of impaired drivers on roadways, officials say enhanced DUI patrol will hit the streets beginning Friday.

The Colorado Department of Transportation along with 81 law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol, will come together and conduct The Heat Is On Holiday DUI enforcement starting Friday through Dec. 14. 

State to begin increased DUI enforcement going into Thanksgiving

“The holidays should be memorable time for our community, but not because its marks the loss of a loved one due to an impaired driving crash,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard in a news release. 

“We will be actively looking for people who fail to plan for a sober rider after using drugs or alcohol.”

1,398 DUI arrests made in state in ramped-up enforcement period

According to officials from CDOT, there had been 168 traffic fatalities involving impaired driving as of Nov. 1, which is 14% higher than last year despite fewer vehicles on the road. 

During the enhanced enforcement last year nearly 600 drivers were arrested for driving while impaired. 

In an attempt to reduce that number and give drivers additional options to find a sober ride, CDOT and Lyft have partnered to offer 1,000 free rides throughout the holiday season.

“Gift a Lyft” will be paid through a Safe Road Use grant CDOT received from the governor’s Highway Safety Administration, and will give riders a $10 credit code.

Extra law enforcement will be on the streets over Halloween weekend

Beginning Dec. 10, 200 credits will be launched in Denver, Colorado Springs and Thornton, for those who sign the Gift of Lyft Pledge, according to the release. 

The program will be available from Dec. 10 through New Year’s Eve in the three targeted cities.