The winter holiday season leads to an array of parties and events filled with joy and celebration. But, with an increase in social gatherings comes an increase in both DUI citations and impaired driving crashes, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

CSP built upon their yearly mission of driving safety outreach by holding an impaired driving demonstration event at their Golden Patrol Academy on Wednesday.

The event, as part of CSP’s yearlong “Drive Safe” awareness campaign, allowed people to attempt to complete a pedal kart driving course with DUI goggles on. It also marked the beginning of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Though lighthearted, the underlying message stood true: driving under the influence is dangerous.

Holiday parties often lead to alcohol or marijuana use, Sgt. Troy Kessler said.

“Unfortunately, fatalities happen. Injuries happen. We don’t want people to be affected by this,” Kessler said. “So, our message is simple: plan ahead. Make sure it’s a plan that’s unalterable and get home safely so you can spend it with your loved ones.”

Patrol troopers investigated 192 crashes in December of 2022. There were eight fatalities. There was also 352 DUI citations issued during that period.

Overall, Colorado has seen a drop in impaired driving deaths in 2023. Between the beginning of the year and Nov. 1, Colorado Department of Transportation has noted 194 fatalities from impaired driving crashes in the state.

There were 245 in the same time period last year.

Regardless, Kessler said the holiday season is still a dangerous period and people should still avoid driving while under the influence at all costs.

There were 24 fatalities in suspected alcohol-related crashes in the state in December of 2022, according to a press release by MADD Colorado. That number made up 51% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado that month.

“Weather does affect driving. It does affect people’s ability to stay on the road,” he said. “Then, when you consider those kinds of driving environments, and then you introduce alcohol and marijuana to those, it can definitely increase those numbers.”

Kessler said that CSP, and a lot of other law enforcement agencies, will be increasing patrols and officers looking specifically for DUIs during the holiday season.

Colorado Department of Transportation’s Holiday Parties DUI enforcement period, running between Dec. 7 and 20, will help bolster patrols of CSP and 71 local law enforcement agencies, according to a press release.

“If we can save one person’s life over this holiday season and allow them time to spend with their loved ones and family and friends, then it’s worth it,” Kessler concluded.

CDOT started a new campaign during National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, as well.

The campaign includes mugshots of Santa, Rudolf and The Grinch with the caption “Don’t let a DUI ruin the holidays,” offering a lighthearted approach to a serious topic, according to the department.

The mugshots will be posted in bars throughout Denver and Colorado Springs.

The department added that first-time DUI offenders could face penalties, court costs and legal fees that could cost someone an average of $13,530 and a minimum of 170 hours of community service time.

MADD Colorado is also taking part in spreading awareness during the month and holiday season. The nonprofit will be holding its Tie One On for Safety Community Honors & Fundraising Breakfast on Thursday in Denver.

The breakfast event will honor community members who have provided exceptional service to victims and survivors of drunk driving crashes, according to a press release from MADD Colorado.

This year’s honorees are:

• Senior Deputy District Attorney Art Hernandez and Deputy DA Edward Barrett, 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
• Major Afsoon Ansari, Colorado State Patrol
• Highway Safety Manager Glenn Davis, CDOT

Fran Lanzer, MADD Regional Executive Director, said that everyone in the state should committed to responsible behavior, like taking rideshares, public transit or having a designated driver.

“Together, we can ensure that we’ll all get there for more holiday meals, more singalongs and more cherished moments together,” he said.