This coming Wednesday, Nov. 26, the Colorado State Patrol will be conducting increased traffic enforcement in multiple locations across the state as part of a surge enforcement day to watch for ungrateful drivers abusing their privileges on the roadway.
Additional troopers will be added to the daily patrol to focus on distracted and aggressive drivers, including those exceeding the posted speed limit. In addition, troopers will be seeking out the biggest turkeys of all — those who fail to make a plan for a sober driver and operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Looking at the day before Thanksgiving in 2024, the Colorado State Patrol responded to 148 crashes. The top causal factors for these crashes were:
“Don’t let your travels over the coming weeks contradict the gratitude and unity that define the holiday season,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Drivers should anticipate heavy amounts of traffic leading up to Thanksgiving and again over the weekend. Pack your patience and drive with kindness.”
On Nov. 26, the Colorado State Patrol and various local law enforcement agencies will target areas around the state that experience increased traffic volume during holiday periods. Some areas already identified that will see more troopers include highways 34, 40, 50, 160 and 287, along with the I-70, I-76 and I-25 corridors.
If you see an aggressive driver, keep your cool. Distance yourself from that driver and avoid eye contact. Have a passenger call *CSP and report the driver, but do not attempt to follow the vehicle.
Troopers want to ensure Coloradoans and our visitors have a happy and safe holiday season. Please ensure that every chair is filled with the loved one you expect to see this year. Be a responsible driver by practicing patience behind the wheel and always leaving extra space between your vehicle and other motorists, equipment or people.
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