As Summit County residents and visitors ponder their New Year’s resolutions, local law enforcement agencies say driving sober should be at the top of that list.

Already in December, Summit County law enforcement officials have arrested more than 20 people on charges of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to data from local agencies.

In December, the Silverthorne Police Department reported making eight arrests for driving under the influence. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office made five arrests for driving under the influence in that time, while the Frisco and Breckenridge Police Departments each reported making four arrests.

The Colorado State Patrol also arrested a driver during a road rage incident near the Interstate 70 Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels over the Christmas holiday period. 

Drinking and driving can also put lives at risk. One-third of all traffic fatalities involve a driver who is impaired, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

“If the cost of killing someone doesn’t stop you from driving while impaired, consider the financial impact a DUI will have on your life,” Colorado State Police Chief Matthew Packard said. “Fines and attorney’s fees are just the beginning, and if you value your time, plan on devoting hours to getting your life back on track.”

With New Year’s festivities, the State Patrol said no one wants to start 2024 out with DUI, which can cost thousands of dollars and result in restrictions on driving. One recent calculation estimated that the average first-time DUI in Colorado costs about $13,500.

People often don’t make good choices while intoxicated and should therefore plan ahead for a sober ride this New Year’s Eve, according to the Colorado State Patrol. Local law enforcement officials said that residents and visitors celebrating the turn of the New Year with alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana, should have a designated driver or consider alternative transportation, such as the free Summit Stage or ride sharing service.

“Safety on our roadways is always a chief concern around the New Year,” Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons said in a statement. “If you see an impaired driver, report it immediately and expect an increased law-enforcement presence along our roadways.”