Beginning Wednesday, November 26, through Sunday, November 30, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and regional law enforcement agencies will launch a two-phase “Blackout Wednesday” operation to curb unsafe driving behavior.
• Phase 1 (Daytime): Targeting distracted, speeding, and reckless drivers.
• Phase 2 (Evening): Concentrating on impaired-driving enforcement.
Participating agencies include the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Police Department, Fountain Police Department, Monument Police Department, Palmer Lake Police Department, Calhan Police Department, Fort Carson Military Police, and Pueblo Police Department.
Throughout 2025, these agencies have collaborated to educate the community on safe driving and uphold traffic safety laws across the Pikes Peak region.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal stated, “I am incredibly proud of the work my traffic and patrol deputies continue to accomplish. Reckless, aggressive, or impaired driving is never a victimless act—it leads directly to preventable collisions, serious injuries, and deaths.
“My deputies are committed to keeping the Pikes Peak region’s roads safe for everyone. As the holiday season begins, those who choose to drive recklessly or while impaired will be held accountable for their actions.
“Thank you to my deputies, our regional law-enforcement partners, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, AAA, and the community members who plan ahead, make responsible choices, and help ensure everyone gets home safely.”
The Numbers Behind the Effort
As of October 2025, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has issued 8,736 citations and made a combined 175 DUI and DUID arrests—111 DUI arrests and 64 DUID arrests. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, 689 traffic fatalities occurred statewide in 2024. Of those, 287 involved at least one at-fault driver impaired by alcohol or another substance, reinforcing the ongoing need for proactive enforcement and community education.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit Sergeant Jason Haag said, “The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year. People head to the grocery store, airports, or local bars to meet friends and family. We’re urging everyone—slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and have a plan to get home safely. There is nothing worth risking your life or the lives of others.”
Plan Ahead for a Safe Holiday:
• Always designate a sober driver or use a ride-share.
• Buckle up and slow down.
• Avoid distractions—put the phone away.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.
Together, we can make this holiday one marked by gratitude and safe returns, not tragedy.
Watch the Blackout Wednesday Traffic Surge video by clicking here.
