(COLORADO) — The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and Uber are teaming up to help get costumed revelers home safely this “Halloweekend.”
Starting on Thursday, Oct. 31, a code will be available exclusively on the DMV’s Instagram page (@coloradodmv) offering a $7 voucher for an Uber ride. The DMV said it will be giving away 1,000 vouchers and the code will be valid through Sunday, Nov. 3.
“Halloween has become one of the most dangerous holidays on Colorado roads, with a troubling rise in impaired drivers leading to more DUI arrests processed by the DMV’s Express Consent Unit on Halloween than any other holiday over the last five years,” the DMV said in a press release.
The DMV, CDOT, and Uber are hoping the voucher will encourage Halloween party-goers to plan a sober ride.
“We’re excited to partner with the Colorado DMV and CDOT to offer responsible transportation alternatives this Halloween,” said Stefanie Sass, Manager of Public Affairs at Uber. “We want to encourage any Coloradan who may be drinking this holiday to make a plan and ensure that everyone can enjoy Halloween weekend without putting themselves or others at risk.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2018 and 2022, 192 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween night, with 171 of those fatalities involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Tragically, young adults aged 21 to 34 accounted for 54% of those drunk-driving deaths.
Aside from the emotional and physical toll, the financial consequences of a DUI are staggering.
“Drinking and driving on Halloween is not only dangerous but costly,” said Electra Bustle, DMV Senior Director. “With penalties averaging over $13,000 for a first-time DUI offender, we’re hoping this initiative will help people make safer choices and prevent avoidable tragedies.”
Offenders could face costs such as:
Increased Auto Insurance: $3,600
Ignition Interlock Service: $2,172
Alcohol/Drug Treatment & Education: $1,000
Defense Attorney Fees: $3,650
Arrest, Court & Legal Fees: $2,300
DMV & Department of Revenue Fees: $773
“The scariest part of Halloween isn’t the costumes — it’s the real danger of impaired driving,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Our message is clear: if you’re drinking, don’t drive. Take an Uber or plan another safe option to get home safely.”
