'Don't be a Blitzen': Colorado State Patrol cracks down on impaired driving. Get a safe ride

Erin Udell, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·2 min read

As more Coloradans get into the holiday spirit, Colorado State Patrol is urging one simple message ahead of holiday parties: "Don't be a Blitzen."

So far this year, more than 220 Colorado deaths have been caused by impaired drivers, according to the agency. Last December, state troopers charged more than 300 motorists for driving while impaired.

To curtail more impaired driving, Colorado State Patrol is urging people to plan ahead as holiday parties and events ramp up. Instead of getting behind the wheel while drunk or high, options include:

  • Using a ride-share or ride-hailing service, trying public transit or calling a sober friend for a ride home.

  • If you are home, order food delivery instead of getting behind the wheel to get food.

  • If having a party, make arrangements for your impaired guests to stay over instead of driving home.

Colorado State Patrol will continue to run its "Don't Be a Blitzen" public awareness campaign through New Year's Eve.

To some happy (and healthy) holidays: Public health tips for another pandemic-era holiday season

Fort Collins safe ride resources

Uber*: Download the app through the Google Play store or App store, or visit www.uber.com/us/en/ride/.

Lyft*: Download the app through the Google Play store or App store, or visit www.lyft.com/rider.

Transfort*: Routes are available throughout the city Mondays through Saturdays, and times vary by route. Some routes have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fares have been temporarily waived. For details, visit ridetransfort.com or call 970-221-6620.

Taxi*: Free, on-demand service is available on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Transfort routes that have been suspended, either along a suspended route or to or from another linked bus stop or transit center. Call 970-225-4831 to schedule a trip the day you plan to travel from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

zTrip: Download the app at ztrip.app.link/ztripdowload; call 970-224-2222; book online at https://www.ztrip.com/book-a-ride; or hail one on the street.

*During the COVID-19 pandemic, these services are requiring riders to wear a face covering during rides, regardless of vaccination status, as of Dec. 9, 2021.

Source: Compiled by Coloradoan reporter Sady Swanson

Erin Udell reports on news, culture, history and more for the Coloradoan. Contact her at ErinUdell@coloradoan.com. The only way she can keep doing what she does is with your support. If you subscribe, thank you. If not, sign up for a digital subscription to the Coloradoan today.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State Patrol: 'Don't be a Blitzen' and drive drunk